Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Electoral Area C residents will have a contest for the area director’s seat in the October 17 election.

Area resident Samantha Walsh announced on social media her candidacy for RDEK Electoral Area C Director, taking on long-time area director and RDEK Board Chair Rob Gay.

“When I think about why I’m running for Electoral Area C Director, it always comes back to home. My roots in the East Kootenay run deep. Born and raised in the Kimberley area, I spent much of my life in Area C visiting family. Eventually, my husband and I purchased my great-grandparents’ house, a family property dating back to the early ’70s,” Walsh outlined.

“Area C isn’t just where I live; it’s where I grew up making memories with my loved ones, and where I’m lucky enough to continue making memories raising my child. That multi-generational connection drives my personal commitment to championing our local growth, long-term sustainability, and core rural values.

“For me, leadership isn’t abstract; it’s personal. Protecting our local groundwater, ensuring sensible growth respects farms and quiet neighbourhoods, keeping local tax rates predictable, and supporting wildfire preparedness aren’t just policy points. They are realities that safeguard our families, our homes, our investments, and the communities that raised us,” Walsh said.

Entering her 13th year in education, she noted, “I’ve learned that leadership starts with listening, preparation, patience, and showing up, especially during the challenges. Beyond the classroom, I currently serve as the Alternate Director for Electoral Area C, sit on the RDEK Advisory Planning Commission and Electoral Area Advisory Commission, and serve on the Area C ReDi Grant Committee.

“Area C is made up of distinct, independent neighbourhoods, and each neighbourhood has unique character and priorities. Living here and raising a family here keeps me grounded in what matters most to the people who call Area C home,” she said.

Samantha Walsh photo

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