District of Highlands Council · Election Day: October 17, 2026
Two independent candidates. Decades in the Highlands. Proven council and regional experience—and a shared commitment to protect what we love while preparing responsibly for the future.
At home on our family farm in the Highlands
We have lived and worked in the Highlands for decades, and we raised our family here. This community matters deeply to us—and so does the future our children and grandchildren will inherit.
Climate emergencies, rising costs and changing economic conditions demand more than good intentions. They require practical preparation, thoughtful investment and the financial capacity to respond. We are running to bring experience, compassion and independent judgment to that work.
We are running as individuals, not as a slate. We share values and a vision for the Highlands, but may sometimes take different routes to reach that destination. We welcome conversations about our individual positions.
“Council should listen before it leads.”
Protect. Plan. Listen.
Good local government should protect what makes the Highlands special, be honest about the challenges ahead and make decisions that stand up over time.
Residential taxpayers currently carry most of the municipal tax burden. We support appropriate, environmentally responsible opportunities in South Highlands that can broaden the tax base, deliver community amenities and preserve rural character.
Explore the public plansEvacuation planning matters—but so does preparing for the possibility that not everyone can leave. We want practical mitigation, shelter-in-place planning and a long-term community recovery strategy.
Land-use decisions must be transparent, legally sound and respectful of residents and landowners. Strong environmental protection and a fair, predictable process belong together.
Prioritize core infrastructure, roadside pathways, interior trail connections, emergency services and safe routes that fit the rural landscape.
Support residential food production and explore a Highlands farmers’ market that connects neighbours and strengthens local resilience.
Support secondary suites and carefully designed housing choices that respect lot size, servicing capacity and rural character—while helping young families and seniors remain in the community.
Keep residents informed, make public information easier to follow, and support accessible council meetings—including reliable livestreams and recordings for later reference.
Listen to different opinions and ask hard questions. Disagreement is not a problem—it is an important part of healthy democratic decision-making.
Independent candidates. Shared commitment.
Candidate for Council
Experienced leadership. Independent voice. Protecting what matters. Planning for what’s next.
Rural Values • Practical Solutions • A Stronger Highlands
Ken believes transparency builds trust—and trust is essential to good local government. His focus is protecting residential property rights, strengthening financial sustainability and helping turn the South Highlands plan’s goals into achievable results.
Candidate for Council
Strong roots. Bright tomorrows. Experience, listening and responsibility.
People • Community • A Stronger Tomorrow
Marie has lived in the Highlands since 1975, raised her family here and served the community locally and regionally. She is also a co-host of Sweet Bitters with Sue & Marie ↗, bringing thoughtful conversation and lived experience to the issues people face.
Our Highlands story
Marie has lived here since 1975. Ken and Marie have been married for more than 51 years and will celebrate their 52nd anniversary in January 2027. Together, they raised three children and operated a family-owned business that has served the community for 53 years.
Their family story includes great joy and profound loss. They lost a son to an overdose, have a son who works every day to live a life in recovery, and are deeply grateful for their loving daughter. These experiences have strengthened their compassion for families facing addiction and loss—and their belief that every person deserves to be heard without judgment.
Today, their family includes five grandchildren and their first great-grandchild. They want the next generations to be able to live, play, grow, and always feel at home in the Highlands.
Our 25-year view
A community that retains its rural nature and extensive park system, plans seriously for climate resilience, and offers thoughtful housing choices—such as secondary suites and innovative options that help seniors remain here.
Read the source material
We encourage residents to read the public documents, follow the evidence and reach their own informed conclusions.
The adopted plan and policies guiding the area’s future.
Open official document ↗ Public financesFinancial statements, property-tax information and related resources.
Visit Highlands Finance ↗ Property taxesThe District’s permissive tax-exemption policy and public process.
Review the information ↗ Public goalsCouncil priorities, resource needs and planning commitments.
View the strategic plan ↗ ConservationLearn about the protected place formerly known as Mary Lake.
Visit the sanctuary ↗ Parks & trailsOfficial CRD information for parks and trails in and around the Highlands.
Find a park or trail ↗ Community visionThe long-term policy framework for land, climate, food and heritage.
Read the OCP ↗ Election 2026Voting dates, locations and notices from the District of Highlands.
View election details ↗The elephant in the room
In 2008, Ken and members of his family faced serious criminal charges. On January 29, 2010, after hearing the evidence, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Janice Dillon found them not guilty. The complete reasons for judgment are public in R. v. Brotherston, 2010 BCSC 111.
We are not asking anyone to rely on rumours, fragments or someone else’s characterization. We invite residents to read the decision for themselves.
Read the full court decision ↗Make your voice heard
General voting is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Highlands Community Hall, 729 Finlayson Arm Road. Advance voting is available October 7 and October 14.
Official voting details ↗