Frustrated with city hall discord, Ronnquist announces Kamloops council campaign

May 21, 2026 | 4:46 PM

KAMLOOPS — Another candidate is entering the race for Kamloops city council. Doug Ronnquist announced his campaign earlier this month, saying he wants to bring stronger collaboration, accountability and leadership to city hall.

Ronnquist says his decision to run comes from frustration with the current state of council, pointing to division and infighting at city hall.

“Well, I think the reason I decided to jump in is kind of out of frustration. (I’m) frustrated with the current council. Some of the things they’re doing, the infighting, it’s not a good look for the city and I don’t think that’s right for now. I jumped in because I think I can make a difference.” says Ronnquist.

Ronnquist believes his background in union leadership and pension governance gives him experience working collaboratively and managing accountability.

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One of his priorities would be improving cooperation between mayor and council while also addressing issues like public safety and homelessness. He says he wants to see a more unified approach when working with the provincial government and believes council needs to focus more on accountability and public trust moving forward.

“One of the other things is public safety. I mean, we have a very big homeless problem here. I know that’s a big package to unwrap,” Ronnquist added. “Being a common force, united together, mayor and council, I think would go a long, a long, long way to persuading government to try to make change as a united front instead of the way we currently are.”

by Jeremy Russo

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Frustrated with city hall discord, Ronnquist announces Kamloops council campaign

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