2024 By-Election Candidate Profiles

Cody Courtenay

My name is Cody Courtenay, I am a husband and father of three children. I have been dedicated to the Columbia Valley/East Kootenays for about 10 years over the last 20 years of my life.

I have an interest in Major Industries and Tourism/Recreation, and hold a Bachelor's Degree in Tourism, majoring in Recreation. I Hold a Electrical Masters/FSR Certificate in 3 provinces across Canada.

My passion to get involved in local government derives from community awareness and community support. As Kimberley and the surrounding areas grow and advance, I make it my responsibility to engage in long term planning and policies to protect the community. Kimberley has been blessed by major industries that developed infrastructure and access to some of the best kept scenic places in the East Kootenays. I believe it is imperative that big Industry and other Industries work together to maintain healthy growth and long term visions.

Maintaining the sense of community in Kimberley is very important to me. My wife and I chose to move our family here almost three years ago, and were welcomed immediately. Keeping a strong and involved community for all is what I want to work towards as a Councillor.

Tamara Duggan

In 2010 my husband Rod and I moved to Kimberley. Previously, I had enjoyed a 25-year career in the Alberta Public Service.  As a consultant, networking with business owners ultimately planted a seed that fostered my passion for business.

In 2015, I opened Tamarack Dispensaries, a medical cannabis store.  City council granted the first license for a cannabis dispensary in Canada!  We transitioned into Tamarack Cannabis Boutique after cannabis was legalized in 2017.

I also own Smoke Ring BBQ food trailer.

In addition to being a Chamber of Commerce board director for two terms, I have been fortunate enough to sponsor many community campaigns including the Military Ames Memorial Park, Centre 64’s Give Us a Lift, Rotary’s Splash Park, lobsters for Rotary Lobster Fest and MADD.

As a serial entrepreneur (four businesses thus far), I have an understanding of the commitment and dedication that it takes to be self-employed and the challenges and struggles involved in such endeavours.  Small businesses abound in Kimberley and they are one of our economic cornerstones.

My dad was mayor of Hythe, Alberta so I grew up with an interest and awareness of civic matters.

As your councillor, I hope to contribute to producing a positive economic future for Kimberley. Responsible stewardship of our resources is vital and by utilizing my business expertise, I believe I will be an asset to council in planning and forecasting for Kimberley’s secure future. You can count on me to represent your concerns.

Diana Fox

Diana Fox moved to Kimberley in 2018 to open her small business, Mountain Grass Gallery + Bistro. She has a diverse background, with experience in fine arts, post-secondary education, health care, and disability services.  

Diana is running for Kimberley City Council because she wants to be part of strengthening the best small town in BC. Kimberley is indeed a great place to be. We have passionate residents, a unique and creative business community, committed public servants, and are blessed with natural beauty all year round.  

Diana’s vision for Kimberley is to empower a thriving small business community, facilitate thoughtful development, and create a safe and vibrant community.  Diana is committed to serving the Kimberley community because she loves living here! 

Craig Janzen

Craig Janzen is passionate about business, people and Kimberley.  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 33 years, his five children and five grandchildren.  Craig has lived in Kimberley for 10 years and over those 10 years, hoping to relieve some of the pressures families are feeling in today’s market, has been steadily developing affordable long-term family rental homes in Kimberley.  Craig also works full-time in management for Canada Post in Kimberley and Cranbrook.  

Prior to Craig’s work in the public service sector, he spent the last two decades in business, doing a wide range of activities from owning and operating a No. 1-rated concrete and gravel plant to consulting to running a book-keeping business. Craig has years of director experience volunteering on the board of directors for Kootenay Christian Academy and a founding board member of Addiction Recovery of the Kootenay’s.  

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.  He wants to do all he can to continue seeing these programs flourish and consider what areas might be explored to bring even more life and vibrancy to Kimberley.

Craig’s platform is to put aside personal agendas or opinions and work for, and represent, ALL residence and tax-payers of our City.  Craig is ready to roll up his sleeves and focus on ensuring our tax dollars are managed well, that process is followed and that we work collectively to see Kimberley the best place to be for business, retirement, recreation and raising a family.

Scott MacLeod

A passionate community advocate, Scott MacLeod cannot think of any more honourable way to serve his hometown than as a member of Kimberley City Council.

Driven by a desire to improve community safety, Scott has spent his career in law enforcement in varying capacities, initially as a police officer with the Edmonton Police Service where he worked in roles ranging from Community Policing to serving as a Tactical (SWAT) team member. Scott served 26 years with the service, before retiring in 2005.

Upon retirement, Scott was eager to move with his family (wife Deb and daughters Kelly Anne and Katie) to the mountains of B.C., specifically the Kootenays. Scott and Deb fell in love with Kimberley. In 2014 they were able to purchase a house there and now proudly call Kimberley home.

Scott’s career in the policing field did not end upon arrival in the Kootenays, though, as he now serves as a Police Based Victim Support worker. Employed by Summit Community Services for the past 15 years and the current program manager, Scott works out of the Kimberley and Cranbrook RCMP detachments in close collaboration with the police members and staff. Scott has helped many victims survive the effects of trauma, navigate the criminal justice system and access the services available to them. Most importantly Scott stands up for the victims of crime and trauma when they need support the most.

Scott now desires to bring his proven community advocacy background to council chambers. He will provide strong support for core services and city infrastructure, work to bolster community safety by supporting and advocating for the fire service, community policing and all emergency services. Most importantly demonstrating a continued commitment to the great City of Kimberley. 

William McKerrow

Please let me start by saying I would like to acknowledge that I give great thanks to the unceded Territories of the Ktunaxa Nation for allowing me the privilege of living working and playing on these great lands that they have looked after since time immemorial. My name is William McKerrow and I am seeking your vote and support in this upcoming bi election for city council. I moved here to the East Kootenay 18 years ago; I have lived the majority of my time right here in Kimberley and recently bought a house in 2021. A happily married man with 6 adult children and 11 grandchildren, as I write this we are currently camping with 2 of those adult children and 5 of the grandchildren. I have worked for Interior Health for the past 18 years. I currently sit on the governance board of East Kootenay Addictions Service as well as being the treasurer for the East Kootenay Labour District council, I am committed to sitting on any boards and or sub committees as needed. The only promise I can make you is to be available and bring your concerns forward to council, and will fight passionately for our community and its needs. I can’t make any other campaign promises as there is a voting process to the council which I will only be one vote of. Vote for me September 21^st, I am eager to start working for you.

Christopher Millner

My name is Christopher Millner, a Councilor candidate running for the 2024 City of Kimberley By-Election. Born and raised in Kimberley, I know the amazing place we call home – it offers the perfect small town setting, close to major centers when required and to me is one of the most beautiful places. After graduation from Selkirk Secondary School, I moved to the Lower Mainland for School obtaining a Diploma in Business Management and my Real Estate License. From there I moved to Calgary and have primarily worked in the Real Estate Industry, mostly in New Home Construction which I continue to do now.

I do believe that I will bring fresh idea’s, knowing Kimberley my whole life but also spending almost a decade away. While I want to keep the charm of Kimberley, having lived away has shown me the benefits of growth. As a teenager, I felt I couldn't get away fast enough but learned quickly that this is the place I call home. I want our youth here to feel they want to move away (should that be the case) not feel that they have to. There is so much talent from the people that are born here and I hope to make an impact on that talent wanting to stay. I want to advocate for us younger folk!

I hope to gain your support and make a difference and give back to our wonderful community.