Newest Kamloops mayoral contender Dhaliwal pledges to take pay cut if elected

Sep 4, 2026 | 4:45 PM

KAMLOOPS — With the municipal election just over a month away, a fourth competitor has emerged in the race for the Kamloops mayor’s chair this fall. Former city councillor and local business owner Ray Dhaliwal launched his mayoral campaign Friday morning (Sept. 4).

“The City of Kamloops needs a good, strong leader, someone who’s connected with the grassroots,” stated Dhaliwal. “Like I said, my family’s been here for 100 years. From farmers all the way up to lawyers to administrators. To see how it’s deteriorated, I think I can do a better job being the mayor and bring a different perspective to the to city council and the mayor’s chair.”

Dhaliwal outlined the goals of his campaign, which include community safety, affordable housing, support for seniors and keeping city taxes and spending under control. While also running on the promise of taking a pay cut.

“I would like to pledge my commitment if elected as mayor, I will accept only two-thirds of the mayor’s salary, with the remainder allocated to establish a new fund dedicated to supporting citizens in Kamloops during challenging periods in life,” said the semi-retired business owner. “We’ll put together a team of volunteers because I want to make sure all the funds are directed to where they need to be. I will check with the corporate (team) to make sure it’s all good and direct it to them, and we’ll work on that together once we get in there.”

Two & Out

PETERS: Did council take middle ground or refuse to make a decision on Upper Sahali proposal?

10h ago

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: September 3, 2026

Sep 03, 2026

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 WAYS TO HEAL: We were never meant to carry it alone

Sep 03, 2026

Dhaliwal was one of two councillors elected in a by-election back in 2017, then came up just short in his bid for re-election in 2018 – finishing ninth in the race for one of eight council seats. He also ran for mayor in 2022, finishing fifth out of five candidates. He now tries again, announcing with just over a month until people head to the polls.

“It was designed this time. Last time, I stepped up early in January or February and started my slate, which disbanded,” says Dhaliwal. “This time, I gave it a lot of thought to see if there’s something I could do to make a difference in this community, and so that’s why I pushed it right to the end.”

Dhaliwal becomes the fourth confirmed mayoral candidate in 2026, joining incumbent Reid Hamer-Jackson, sitting councillor Mike O’Reilly and former councillor Nelly Dever.

by Anthony Corea

Click here to report an error or typo in this article

Newest Kamloops mayoral contender Dhaliwal pledges to take pay cut if elected

Our Community