2022 Candidate Profile Submissions

SUE CAIRNS

Sue Cairns believes that we thrive locally when the decisions we make are based on the values we share at the community level - clean water and air; affordability including housing; a vibrant economy; and healthy, functioning ecosystems.  

I believe it’s by working together at the community level that we can really make a difference. 

Sue worked with the forest industry and in consulting in the 1990s and with B.C. natural resource agencies and with Indigenous governments until May, 2022. 

Sue brings collaboration, relationship building, problem solving, policy, planning, administration, public service and natural resource stewardship experience and knowledge. Sue was a Registered Professional Forester (1994-2021) and has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry (UBC).  

Sue’s volunteer time has been dedicated to the East Kootenay Climate Hub, a non-partisan network that hosts talks and resources on sustainability topics; participates in the development of plans and policy; and engages with elected leaders. See EastKootenayClimateHub.ca

She lived rurally in the Jimsmith lake area closer to Cranbrook and then in 2021 she chose Kimberley as her home and moved to Townsite.  Her sons live in Kimberley as well.  Sue is passionate about Kimberley’s community and natural environment where she has been active for the last 30 years. She wants to give back now and she has the time and energy to serve now since she retired from the provincial government in May, 2022. 

Sue would like to hear from you on what matters most, and your ideas. CairnsforKimberley.ca / Facebook  

KEVIN DUNNEBACKE

Kevin Dunnebacke is a 4f year old Kootenay boy, raised in Fruitvale. His dad worked for Cominco for 37 years so Kevin understands the importance of a healthy, working community. He moved to the East Kootenays in 2004, settling in Kimberley 2013.

Kevin is a journey bodyman/mechanic. He graduated from Okanagan University College in 1994, and set up shop in Fruitvale, restoring and fixing anything that rolled through the doors. When he moved to the East Kootenays, Kevin instantly fell in love with Kimberley and its relaxed atmosphere and friendly vibe. A love that was solidified when he won the Spring Splash downhill mountain bike race in 2005.

Kevin set down deep roots in 2015, starting with the purchase of OJs, now Ktown Custom Auto, a dream of his for 10 years. A lot has changed for Kevin in the last 5 years. As well as opening his business, he has started a family in the only place he wants to raise kids.

When Kevin isn't at the shop or at home with his family, he likes to enjoy the back country, get firewood or go to car shows.

He sees a bright future in this town and for this town. Kevin would like to give back to this community which has made him feel at home by focusing on the towns' infrastructure. He would like to make sure that Kimberleys' hard earned tax dollars go towards permanent fixes and not bandaid repairs. His focus in on the people of Kimberley and would like to see this town reach its full potential.

CRAIG JANZEN

A lot of great work has been done to date by previous councils and Craig Janzen hopes to continue that tradition in his run for city councillor. Craig moved his family to Kimberley in 2014 and currently holds a management position with Canada Post in our Kimberley and Cranbrook offices. Over the past eight years, relieving some of the pressures families are feeling in today’s market, Craig has developed and built several new, multi-family rental homes. He has had extensive experience working with the city development team, local unionized workers and also spends time volunteering with local organizations.  

Craig is not hoping to join city council with a particular agenda. Rather, based on his experience as a Kimberley business person, manager, and resident, he will be exploring all matters with a balanced, caring, and logical approach. Craig’s goal is to bring transparency to council decisions and promote the well-being and interests of OUR community.  

Craig is a strong advocate for active and healthy lifestyles. He is proud of the great programs and clubs running in our city such as Healthy Kimberley Food Recovery, Kimberley Trail Society and Kimberley Nordic Club to name a few. 

You might see Craig out on the ski hill, hiking, cruising on the mountain bike trails, or enjoying everything else that Kimberly has to offer with his wife of 31 years, his five children and four grandchildren. 

WOODY MAGUIRE

I am running for council out of a desire to serve the people of Kimberley. I envision a community with a vibrant culture and a healthy lifestyle. While on council I will listen to and consider the merit of differing perspectives and make informed decisions that best serve the larger community.

I aim to keep taxes low while still maintaining the level of service our community has come to expect. The looming Waste Water Treatment Plant replacement is top of mind as well as issues around affordable housing, wildfire mitigation, facility maintenance, recreational opportunities and downtown revitalization. I commit to remaining open and taking a non-partisan, fact-based approach to these and other issues facing council.

I have a Bachelors of Engineering from the University of Guelph and years of experience managing municipal infrastructure projects. I am an actively engaged citizen and participate in a wide variety of organizations and events within our community. I am an artist, a musician, a dancer, a nature lover, a yoga teacher, a carpenter, a consultant and an investor. I also have over a decade of experience sitting on non-profit boards and am currently the President of the local Wildsight Kim/Cran board. I am now semi-retired and have the time, passion and experience to serve you as a responsible and effective councillor.

I care deeply for this community and would be honoured by the opportunity to serve you on the Kimberley City Council for the next four years. 

JASON MCBAIN

Jason grew up in Townsite and left home at seventeen to pursue a hockey career that included four years at the junior level and eleven years professionally. After retiring from hockey, Jason turned his attention to education - earning a Bachelor’s degree in Geology and a Master of Engineering (Geotechnical) from Portland State University. He is a third generation Teck/Cominco employee currently working as a Site Manager for Teck Legacy Properties in Kimberley. Both his father (Dale), and grandfather (Keith) worked at Sullivan mine as underground miners. Jason is a registered Professional Engineer in British Columbia.

Jason serves on the Boards of Directors for the Kimberley Health Centre Society, the Kimberley Library, and is the Council liaison for the Chamber of Commerce. In addition to hobbies like listening to music, language study, and home improvement, Jason enjoys taking walks and enjoying the outdoors.

Jason and his wife, Wendy, live in Chapman Camp with his son, Ryan, and her two daughters, Willa and Emory. Jason also has three older children - Colin, Erin, and Liam.

SANDRA ROBERTS

Councillor Roberts was elected for her first term in office in 2014.  She arrived in Kimberley in 1950 and was educated here.  After a number of years of living in Alberta, Sandra returned to Kimberley, met and then married her husband, Bill.  Making a home for their two children, she became an ardent community volunteer. 

As a member of the Kimberley Neighbourhood Improvement Committee, Sandra initiated the development of the Kimberley Arts and Craft Society and the creation of Center 64. She travelled regionally with the ‘The Lost Dawg Singers’ for 28 years. 

Sandra retired as Manager from Kootenay Savings Credit Union (formerly Kimberley Credit Union) after 30 years. Her financial experience has been an asset in her role as an Advisor for Tembec Ltd.( a Forestry Company), as a Governor of the College of the Rockies, and as the President of Kimberley Chamber of Commerce as well as the Area Representative on the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

Sandra and her husband maintain Hardrock Publishing, a partnership that handles the publication ‘The Best Miners in the World:  Stories from Canada’s Sullivan Mine’.  Sandra is also deeply committed to Rotary International as a member of Kimberley Rotary Club, and the Rotary Foundation and makes presentations regarding ‘The Positive Peace Initiative’.

STEVEN ROYER

Hello Kimberley, my name is Steven Royer. I moved to Kimberley with my wife in 2016. This City is  the best city in British Columbia and the best place to be.  People are very friendly and it is a helping community.

I started Royer's Landscaping Property Maintenance in 2017.  I started with no clients, no truck, no trailer and very little equipment. Five years later the company became quite successful. I found out quickly that Kimberley is a land of opportunity and I embraced every moment. With my success, I have given back to the community by being corporate sponsor for the Dynamiters Hockey club, the Cardboard Boat Race at the aquatic centre,  and the Pumpkin Hunt at the aquatic center. To my surprise, I received 2021 Business Excellent Awards, "Home and Business" given by Kimberley Chamber of Commerce.

I volunteer with the following: Markcreek Lions Club, Head Coach of the East Kootenay Track and field Club, Head coach for Zone 1, BC Summer Games, board member on the KAYAN youth network, and part of the Lion’s Club Security at the Dynamiters Hockey games. I am currently board member and treasurer for the MarkCreek Lions Club and East Kootenay Track and Field club.

ANDREW SKAIEN

I have lived in Kimberley for the last 12 years and have grown particularly attached to this beautiful city. As a skier, mountain biker, rock climber, golfer, (and more), it is the obvious choice for me that Kimberley is where I want to call home. I have always been a huge advocate for Kimberley, and the lifestyle associated with it. Ask my friends and you will find out I have been less than subtle in my attempts to have them move here! In my current professional position, one of my roles is hiring, so I am always actively seeking professionals to join our team, and therefore live in our beautiful area. I graduated from the College of the Rockies in 2016 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Sustainable Business Practices. Since then, I have proudly been a part of the management team of one of the veterinary clinics in Cranbrook. I believe that my experience and background has put me in a unique position to tackle tough problems and brainstorm solutions. I am running for council firstly because I really do love Kimberley, and I would be honoured to be a part of its growth. Secondly, because I think I may have something to offer when it comes to thinking of creative solutions to tough problems. I love a new challenge, and I’d love to be a bigger part of this city.

DONNA ANDREWS

I’m married with 3 kids. Family, Education and Community are important to me, and they are truly interdependent.

I believe that nothing I have done has been given to me, rather, that through my work ethic I have earned it and will continue to work to earn what I get. I work at Lysenko Law, a local law firm in Kimberley and became a Commissioner of Oath for them, I also worked for the Gymnastics club and daycare for 12 years prior to that before the fire and I am helping with the rebuild. When the kids were younger, I volunteered at the schools and was a Scout leader for 8 years.

The citizens within Kimberley deserve to have a voice on the Board of Education and I believe I can offer that. I will make decisions that are beneficial to all and I will be determined in seeking out public opinions. People need to feel that their opinions matter, to feel engaged in the process as everything has a solution; it is strictly a matter of listening to what is important and prioritizing.

My feelings are mine and mine alone, but I do believe that they do resonate with many people within this community and to be honest many other communities just like it. The system, again my opinion, is a bit broken at times and we need to have more like minded people on the board to make a difference and make change, I cannot do that alone.

BETTY LOU BARRETT

I have had the honor to be the third generation of school trustee in my family. My family has always valued the opportunity to live in a country that has a quality educational system that is for kids.  It is my goal to be ever watchful that we do not lose or take for granted the “GIFT OF EDUCATION.” It has been my duty as a Trustee to listen to our educational community, our parents and kids in order to enhance, motivate and pursue equality in education

My family homesteaded here and I own and operate a ranch outside of Kimberley.  We have always valued integrity, honesty and hard work.  I carry those values with me every day. I have been truly afforded a well-rounded education in life skills and coping skills.   I can do this, is my motto.

I have worked in mines, sawmills, construction and currently I am the Base Administrator for pre board screening at the Cranbrook airport.   I am a single parent with two grown children and three grandchildren.  I do understand the challenges of raising kids on tight budgets, day care challenges, along with the pursuit of higher education for my children.

I have been a School Trustee for several terms, it has been an honor to be a Trustee.  I have had the privilege to be part of a great school district.  If there is one lesson that I have learned in this role is everybody has a story and you need to listen carefully in order to understand so you can truly make a difference.

ROXANNE MCINTOSH

I was born and raised in Kimberley.  My career path was chosen early as an educator which has led me traveling and teaching in Northern Alberta and many different countries overseas. I have always loved Kimberley and call it my home.

I moved back to Kimberley to raise my son where he can be immersed with nature,  outdoor education and outside activities.  I believe that these aspects are important for the development and success of his learning and everyone else. I have been invested in education and community initiatives, such as demonstrating alternative energy systems, promoting organic gardening, forest awareness and conservation, arranging workshops and fostering volunteer involvement, throughout my 20+ years experience in teaching. I have been lucky in my career to have been a part of children's learning where they become life-long learners and participate in their learning process. I would like to continue to contribute to the field of education by transitioning to another role where I can apply my teaching experiences, as a school trustee.

RONALD MCRAE

There are several reasons why I am seeking re-election as a School Trustee in the Kimberley Zone of the Rocky Mountain School District.

My many years of experience in elected positions such as a Kimberley City Councilor and two terms as Mayor of Kimberley have allowed me as an elected member of the School Board to make a valuable contribution to the governance and operations of SD6. It is my desire to continue to leverage these experiences, a long with my senior management experience at the Post-secondary level and my history of volunteering in our community, to enhance learning opportunities for the students, staff and families in our School District.

Much as been accomplished over my 4 years on the School Board to enhance equity and inclusion for all learners, particularly Indigenous learners. A renewed relationship with our Indigenous communities based on recognition of rights, mutual respect, cooperation and partnership will certainly facilitate our commitment to closing the gap for our Indigenous learners. Additionally, a comprehensive Strategic Planning process has been undertaken to support the Vision for the District “Opportunity, Equity, and Success for each learner”. Our District is very progressive and I believe I have much more to offer in our pursuit of excellence for our students.

The new Ministry of Education and Childcare is cutting edge in providing services to Pre -K learners and their families. Our District is moving forward on implementing this new mandate and I am excited about the prospect of being involved for the next 4 years as this new mandate unfolds.

Please feel free to reach out( 250-427-0883 or ronaldmcrae@shaw.ca) if you have questions or comments for me.

DARRYL OAKLEY

I was born and raised in Kimberley, and attended public school here. After graduating from Selkirk Secondary School, I attended the University of Alberta and Simon Fraser University graduating with a science degree in arctic ecology and professional teacher certification respectively. Subsequently, many years were spent working on research projects in the Canadian high arctic. I also spent time teaching in aboriginal schools and public colleges in Prince George and Calgary.

I am a huge supporter of a healthy public education system that embraces and fully supports our children , physically, emotionally, and cognitively as they develop into young adults.

SANDRA SMAILL

There are many issues in education that require vision and commitment. I am happy to offer my accumulated knowledge and experience in dealing with those issues. The education system is finally starting to deal with challenges such as early childhood education, individualized learning, inculusion of all lerners, greener schools, pursuing the goal of truth and reconciliation. These are not easy projects to tackle, but our community will overcome the challenges just as we have in the past.

I commit my time and efforts to making our schools better places of learning. Improved academic achievement is a measurable sign of success but a successful learner needs more environmental knowledge, critical thinking skills, and social responsibility.

I have been a member of the Board of Education for many years and have at times served as Chairperson and I am now Vicechair and our Board’s representative to the B.C. Public School Employers Association. I look forward to continuing to serve our community on the Board of Education. Thank you for your support.