RDCO Chair, Vice Chair elected in tight race

The Regional District of Central Okanagan’s Board of Directors have elected its leaders, after a very tight race.

Both Kelowna City Councillor, Loyal Woolridge, and Blair Ireland, Mayor of Lake Country, received equal support and were nominated to be the new Chair of the board.

The Board of Directors held three votes, which all ended with ties between Woolridge and Ireland.

Secret ballots were then cast, resulting in Woolridge being elected as Chair, and Ireland being named as Vice Chair.

Woolridge previously served as chair from November of 2021 until May of 2024, when he stepped down to run with the B.C. NDP in the 2024 provincial general election. Ireland took over as Chair in Woolridge’s absence.

“I am deeply honoured to be elected as Chair once again. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Vice-Chair Ireland for his exemplary leadership over the past six months. Together, in his new role as Vice-Chair, we will continue to represent all members of this Board and drive forward our strategic priorities,” Wooldridge said.

“Over the last six months, I have engaged with residents across our region and listened to their aspirations. I have also had the opportunity to build strong relationships with the provincial government that will contribute to turning those visions into reality.”

Ireland takes over as Vice-Chair from Kevin Kraft, who had served in that role since November of 2023.

“I am truly grateful for the support of this Board. It is an honour to serve our region. My leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, and I am excited to work alongside Chair Wooldridge to represent all residents of the Central Okanagan,” Ireland said.

“I also want to thank Director Kraft for his dedication and partnership as Vice-Chair; it has been a pleasure working with him over the past six months.”