Questions arise over Lumby mayor’s double election campaigns

Questions arise over Lumby mayor’s double election campaigns

Published 11:52 am Thursday, October 1, 2026

The game of ‘What if?’ is being felt around the Village of Lumby.

What if current mayor Kevin Acton successfully campaigns to retain his seat Oct. 17? What if, one week later, in the Oct. 24 provincial election, Acton successfully campaigns to become MLA for the B.C. Conservatives in the Vernon-Lumby riding?

Acton – who is running for both positions – has answers.

“One of my philosophies has always been: respect the taxpayer,” he said on social media. “If I have the privilege of being elected Mayor of Lumby, and then being elected as the Conservative Party of British Columbia MLA for Vernon–Lumby, I will personally cover the cost of holding a proper mayoral by-election in Lumby, to the extent permitted by law.

“Why should you, the taxpayer, be responsible for that cost? You didn’t choose the timing of this provincial by-election, and I don’t believe Lumby taxpayers should be left with the bill because I chose to step forward and serve.”

Acton said the decision to seek both offices is ultimately about giving voters a choice during an unusual overlap between the municipal and provincial election processes.

“This is about public service, accountability and respecting the people who pay the bills. Whether it is in Lumby or in Victoria, I will always remember whose money the government is spending.”

Should a by-election by required, incumbent village councillor Randal Ostafichuk has declared on social media he would seek election to the mayor’s seat.

“Living in Lumby, raising children in Lumby, spending over 20 years working in Lumby, and taking every opportunity to learn how I can help Lumby have given me the opportunity to understand what Lumby is, and why we all love it so much,” said Ostafichuk in his post. “I would be honoured to represent you if I am given the opportunity.”

Ostafichuk and fellow councillors Geoff Bevan, Sherry Kineshanko and Lori Mindnich will be returned to village council by acclamation.

Acton is being challenged for the mayor’s seat by Brad Weston.

“If he becomes the MLA and I am your mayor, I will work closely with him to bring forth what the residents of Lumby want,” said Weston on a social media post. “We need a dedicated mayor who wants to be here for the village.”

Acton is challenging incumbent NDP two-term MLA Harwinder Sandhu, and OneBC nominee Chantel Gibbs for the Vernon-Lumby post.