(Image Credit: CFJC Today)
Kamloops Votes 2026

CANDIDATE CHECK-IN: Winston enjoying first shot at political office

Oct 6, 2026 | 4:07 PM

KAMLOOPS — Ivory Winston is one of two political rookies taking aim at the mayor’s chair in Kamloops ahead of the October 17 election.


Winston, a building designer by trade, felt he was unrepresented by the usual candidates and wanted to provide Kamloops with another option on the ballot.

“I come into this completely open, just saying I’m putting my name out there. I believe I can make a tremendous difference working on council, specifically as mayor, setting the tone for that council,” Winston told CFJC News. “But I have no expectations of being elected. If it happens, my life drastically transforms and I’m excited for the journey.”

Winston is working through the challenge of being a relative unknown in civic politics, saying he’s really enjoying meeting and speaking with voters.

“They are excited for the election, that they are going to have some change,” added Winston. “And there are major issues people are quite concerned about. Homelessness keeps coming up, and just making our city all it can be, that people want to be here. Right now, people don’t want to recommend Kamloops to their friends and families. They get such negative publicity over the last few years that people are looking for a change.”