I have had the privilege of working with Matt Taylor in several capacities, beginning with the founding of the Okanagan Falls Community Association and, more recently, during the past four years as the RDOS Alternate Director for Area D. Throughout this time, Matt has consistently demonstrated professionalism, diligence, and a strong commitment to serving the community. Most importantly, he takes the time to listen, gather information, and make well-informed decisions.
As an RDOS Director, Matt has successfully navigated complex financial reports, planning applications, bylaws, and other significant matters. His thorough preparation and thoughtful approach have earned the respect and trust of both the RDOS Board and staff. The experience, credibility, and relationships he has built make him exceptionally well positioned to serve as Mayor of Okanagan Falls and I strongly endorse his candidacy.
Regards,
Jim D’Andrea
Noble Ridge Winery
Owner, Chairman
Okanagan Falls, BC
Alternate Director, Area “D”
I am writing to endorse Matt Taylor for Mayor of Okanagan Falls. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Matt Taylor for several years now, and I can confidently say that he possesses the necessary qualities and skills to excel in this position.
I believe it is essential to elect leaders who are committed to improving their community, and Matt Taylor is one such leader. He has demonstrated his commitment to public service by providing leadership on several local committees and through the last four years as Area “D” Director for Okanagan Falls & Skaha East. In addition Matt Taylor worked tirelessly advocating to make sure the town and residents were heard during the development of the Letters Patent Step in the Incorporation process.
I strongly urge you to vote for Matt Taylor in the upcoming election. I’m confident Matt Taylor will make a positive impact and work to the betterment of the community of Okanagan Falls. Please join me in supporting Matt Taylor and electing him as Mayor for Okanagan Falls.Martin Johansen|
Mayor
Chair South Okanagan Regional Hospital Board
Oliver, BC
To whom it may concern
As the Chairperson of the Incorporation Study Committee, I worked with Matt Taylor on many fronts during the process. I found Matt to be well organized and a willing communicator. With his past political experience and willingness to learn a new role as Mayor of the District of Okanagan Falls, I fully endorse Matt Taylor as Mayor.
Rick Wilson,
Past Chair of OKFalls Incorporation Study
Past Mayor, Oliver
Past Chair, RDOS
I am writing this letter to offer my enthusiastic and strong support for MATT TAYLOR in his campaign to become the first mayor of what will be the newly incorporated community of the DISTRICT OF OKANAGAN FALLS.
My comments and observations are based on my 40-plus-year career in local government, starting as the Municipal Engineer for the District of North Saanich and retiring as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the City of Penticton.
I have lived in our community of Okanagan Falls since 1989.
I have worked with MATT for some 4 years as a member of the Okanagan Falls Advisory Planning Commission and am very impressed with his capabilities and knowledge.
As Okanagan Falls transitions into BC’s newest municipality, it needs a proven leader like MATT TAYLOR.
Why Matt is the right choice to lead us through which will be our most challenging times: I give you the following:
Matt can hit the council table running. No wasted steps.
Matt has demonstrated a very deep dedication to our area through his many years of service as our Area D Director. Commitment.
Matt has worked closely with residents, the Provincial and Federal governments. Community coordinator.
Matt is capable of bringing all community voices to the table and can establish a strong cooperative relationship with our neighbouring First Nations. Community facilitator.
Matt is fully aware of the inner workings and legislative challenges of local government. Process oversight.
Matt is competent in the specialized local government accounting process and procedures. Financial oversight.
Matt has a proven track record with a vision of balancing small town atmosphere with commercial and industrial needs. Proven Vision.
Matt will be financially responsible. Has a stake in the community.
As our Community navigates this historic transition from a rural community to the District of Okanagan Falls, we need a strong leader who is ready and able to take on the reins from day one.
That leader is MATT TAYLOR.
I encourage everyone to join me in supporting MATT for Mayor for the District of Okanagan Falls.
“to a better future.”
Leo Den Boer,
Past CAO, City of Penticton
Past CAO, City of Merritt
Member, Area “D” Advisory Planning Commission
As someone who was opposed to incorporation from the outset, I have experienced much frustration with the process and response by the government. However, despite all of these potential concerns and lack of transparency, incorporation is proceeding ahead. Now is not the time to be divisive. In the coming months we will need to choose a leader who has the best interests of our community in mind, as well as the experience and capability to unite polarized opinions.
I have worked with Matt Taylor for several years on the Parks and Recreation commission and have also networked with him on community initiatives through the school PAC. His unwavering support of this town and its residents is evident in promoting business development, in supporting our local grocery store, as well as in advocating for daycares to open up more spots in town. He has a vast knowledge of grant application processes and many valuable contacts within government agencies. His knowledge and valued rapport within the RDOS will also be crucial if any concerns arise over jurisdictional matters, such as public parks, works and contract negotiations.
The process of incorporating hasn’t been without contention, but the formative years will be the most critical in establishing our goals, values and priorities as a community. I believe Matt Taylor has proven that he has the best interests of Okanagan Falls residents in mind and the attributes to successfully transition our newly established community into the future.
Laura Adamson
Matt has a proven record with the RDOS. He is thoughtful in his approach to problems and listens to others before making a decision. He remains neutral when he is required to as the facilitator of community meetings. His knowledge of, and experience with, many levels of government will be invaluable to future development in Okanagan Falls. He has my support.
Eleanor Walker,
Committee Member of last three
Governance Studies
I met Matt when he joined the Okanagan Falls Parks & Recreation Committee in December 2016. During my term as chair, he advocated for better public access to the section of Christie Memorial Park beach occupied by the endangered short ray aster. He also helped advance the Waterfront Master Plan and bring the Lions Gardens Park fountain to life.
While serving on the Area D Advisory Planning Committee during Matt’s term as Area Director, I found he brought contentious land-use proposals, including temporary use permits, short-term rentals, and a marijuana dispensary, forward for reasoned discussion. He often consulted me on background for many issues as I was formerly an engineer with RDOS and worked on several sensitive projects in the area. Matt addressed key issues responsively and advanced the Okanagan Falls incorporation process in a fair-minded way.
Both my spouse, Orian, and I have been involved in a number of local groups and have always found Matt to be honest and forthright, without disclosing private matters, when we approach him for information on current issues.
We are pleased that Matt has chosen to stand for election as Mayor of Okanagan Falls. We are confident in his qualifications and are pleased to offer our full endorsement of his candidacy.
Alfred Hartviksen & Orian Hartviksen
Past Chair, Area “D” Advisory Planning Commission
We are writing to endorse Matt Taylor for our inaugural Mayor in the upcoming civic election on October 17.
As a couple who has lived in Okanagan Falls for 18 years and participated in many community activities, we care deeply about the future of our town. We know that leading Okanagan Falls will require experience, dedication, and a proven commitment to public service. Matt has spent more than a decade building strong connections with local citizens and developing a deep understanding of our community. He brings the leadership skills, local knowledge, and clear vision needed to guide Okanagan Falls toward a bright and successful future.
Matt’s impressive record of service shows he understands the priorities of our residents:
Four years of dedicated leadership as our Area D Director, demonstrating his understanding of the complex inner workings of the RDOS and local government.
Founding president of the Okanagan Falls Community Association, where he helped bring neighbours and local businesses together to strengthen our community voice.
Vice chair of the Okanagan Falls Parks and Recreation Commission, reflecting his commitment to protecting and improving our public spaces.
Having worked on several committees led by Matt, we know firsthand that he is a capable, thoughtful leader who follows through on his commitments. Through our conversations with him, it is clear he understands the priorities required to transition from the RDOS to the District of Okanagan Falls. We trust his approach, appreciate his fiscal responsibility, and believe he always acts with the best interests of our community at heart.
Okanagan Falls faces important decisions in the coming years regarding growth, infrastructure, and community services. Matt does not simply make promises, he has already spent years delivering meaningful results. He listens to residents and consistently makes decisions based on what is best for the whole community.
For these reasons, we proudly offer our full endorsement of Matt Taylor for Mayor. We encourage our neighbours and friends to cast their vote for him on election day.
Bob and Barb Shanks
Re: Endorsement – District of Okanagan Falls Mayor – Matt Taylor
To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to formally endorse Matt Taylor for his candidacy as Mayor of Okanagan Falls.
I have worked with Matt for several years through my role as Chair of the RDOS Area D Advisory Planning Commission, and I have known him as a friend and member of our community for just as long.
Matt has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the Okanagan Falls community. Through his work with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, he has been a strong advocate for our community and a consistent voice for town’s interests within all levels of government.
Matt understands the issues that matter to our community and has the ability to navigate both local and provincial government, making him a significant asset to Okanagan Falls as we establish our municipal administration.
I stand with Matt Taylor in his candidacy to become the inaugural Mayor of Okanagan Falls, and I believe he will provide the leadership, advocacy, and community-minded approach that our community needs.
Matt Simard,
Chair, RDOS Area D Planning Commission
District of Okanagan Falls Resident
Matt for Mayor - Start Strong
Okanagan Falls is venturing into uncharted grounds full of uncertainty and change. We need a Mayor who understands our local complexities, is relevant, authentic and forward thinking!
Matt has proven leadership skills. He listens carefully and has a desire to understand concerns, ideas and perspectives. Our community has diverse needs: seniors, retired professional, families, world renowned businesses, bountiful orchards and award winning wineries. Matt has built relationships with these groups and understands their needs.
Calm, organized and resourceful with a keen eye on governance and finance. Matt has established respect at the community level and also within local government as one of 20 RDOS Directors - 11 Municipal and 9 Electoral (rural). He is well researched, understands fiscal management including long-term taxation and budget consequences of proposed projects and decisions.
I believe Matt will bring continuity, he understands policy setting and bylaw formation. He has displayed fiscal responsibility, understands the needs of our community and is connected and respected at all levels of government.
Matt for Mayor for a vibrant Okanagan Falls!
Cheers,
Shona Schleppe
Director, South Skaha Housing Society
RDOS - Community Services Manager (Okanagan Falls)
2015 - 2019
Matt and I have worked together during the past 7 years with the Okanagan Falls Community Association, the Okanagan Falls Parks and Recreation Commission and the Incorporation Study Committee. I am supporting Matt and working on his campaign because I believe, for a few specific reasons, that he is our best choice for the First Mayor of the District of Okanagan Falls.
Matt understands complex issues; all complex issues involve trade-offs between infrastructure, finances and people, and he has been able to initiate ideas that solved issues for Area D. Okanagan Falls will face many complex issues in converting to a District; water and sewer are only two of these. We need a mayor (and Council) that can understand these and make decisions that are financially responsible and make sense for our community.
The mayor of a municipal District only has one vote on Council, but they chair Council meetings and are the public face of the community, which are very important jobs. I've watched Matt chair many meetings, some contentious, and he ensures participants respectfully listen to each other, which promotes efficient meetings and better decisions. Residents of Okanagan Falls were divided on whether to incorporate or not, and we need a Mayor who will respectfully listen to different views and bring residents together.
Matt has built strong, respectful and personal relationships with RDOS staff and members of the Board of Directors. This is going to be very important as the RDOS transitions services to the new District and also because the District will always be a member of the regional district.
Matt has spent the last 4 years as Area D Director learning and understanding the issues affecting Okanagan municipalities. As Mayor, he won't be starting from scratch; this is going to be a huge boost to the new municipality.
Judy Garner
Financial Agent for Matt Taylor
Past President, Okanagan Falls Community Association