Kamloops City Councillor Margot Middleton is seeking a second term on council, saying experience and responsible leadership are needed as the city continues to grow and tackle major infrastructure challenges.
Middleton officially launched her re-election campaign Wednesday at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre, surrounded by family, friends and supporters.
The first-term councillor said her decision to run again is driven by a desire to help guide Kamloops through a period of growth while ensuring the city continues investing in infrastructure and community amenities.
“With the support of my family, I am putting my name forward for re-election because I believe we need thoughtful leadership, sound counsel, respectful dialogue, and a continued focus on building a city that future generations will be proud to call home,” Middleton said.
Build Kamloops Remains a Key Priority
Middleton highlighted her work over the past four years, including support for the Build Kamloops program, recreation infrastructure projects, housing initiatives, and her service on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and Thompson Regional Hospital District boards.
Speaking with reporters following her announcement, Middleton said McArthur Island was a fitting location for the campaign launch because of its significance as a community gathering place.
“I just think that this sports centre is the epitome of what Kamloops stands for,” she said. “It’s a community space. Behind here we have all our soccer fields and ball fields. This park is an amazing jewel in our city.”
A key focus of Middleton’s campaign is continuing to advance the Build Kamloops initiative, a long-term plan aimed at addressing aging and undersized civic infrastructure.
She said the city is facing a significant shortage of recreation and community spaces after years of population growth.
“The city has grown substantially and we are in catch-up mode,” Middleton said. “We should have been catching up 20 years ago and we didn’t. I don’t think we can wait another 20 or 30 years before we have more city facilities.”
Experience Matters, Middleton Says
Middleton also defended the value of experience on council as voters prepare to choose a new mayor and council this fall.
While acknowledging some residents may be frustrated by the controversies that have surrounded council during the current term, she said maintaining institutional knowledge is important.
“I think experience does matter,” Middleton said. “The idea to toss all of council out and bring in eight new councillors and a new mayor — in my opinion, that’s not a very advisable thing to have happen.”
She noted municipal government operates within a complex framework of provincial legislation and governance rules, and said continuity helps ensure long-term projects remain on track.
Middleton said one of the biggest lessons she learned during her first term was the scale and complexity of city operations.
“I didn’t realize how much the city does and is responsible for,” she said. “We are a fairly large city and we have an awful lot of stuff that we need to look after, maintain and service.”
Homelessness, Safety and Growth
On issues surrounding homelessness and public safety, Middleton said the city must continue advocating for solutions while recognizing many factors are beyond municipal control.
“This problem exists everywhere,” she said. “We’ll do everything that we can that’s in our wheelhouse to be able to do.”
Middleton said her priorities for a second term include strengthening local governance, supporting responsible growth, investing in recreation and community infrastructure, maintaining a strong regional voice and ensuring decisions are guided by evidence and transparency.
She said she remains focused on helping Kamloops remain a vibrant and livable city for families, seniors, businesses and future generations.
Election Field Continues to Grow
With the municipal election campaign beginning to take shape, Middleton joins a growing field of candidates seeking seats around the council table.
Other declared or prospective candidates include Rob Bertrand, Cindy Sonne, Nevin Webster and Joe Mauro, along with incumbent councillors Bill Sarai, Dale Bass, Stephen Karpuk and Nancy Bepple, who have indicated they intend to run again.
The newly formed Pivot Kamloops slate has also entered the race, featuring mayoral candidate Nelly Dever and council candidates Dennis Giesbrecht, Katherine Blair-Wunderlich and Randy Sunderman.
Mike O’Reilly is the lone incumbant councillor who will be condending the mayors race against the man currently holding the seat Reid Hamer-Jackson.
Kamloops voters will head to the polls on Oct. 17, 2026, to elect a new mayor and council. Middleton said she hopes residents will engage in the election process and participate in candidate forums before casting their ballots.
“I am hopeful that the residents of Kamloops will see value in having me on city council and will come out and vote,” she said. “Every vote counts.”
