Kamloops Manager Enters Council Race

Rob Bertrand, general manager at Notre Dame Tire, said Sunday he will run for a Kamloops city council seat in the Oct. 17, 2026 municipal election. (castanet.net) (kamloops.ca) Bertrand told Castanet he decided to run after watching crime and social disorder worsen in Kamloops and hit small businesses, including the tire shop he manages. (castanet.net) He also pointed to “drama and infighting” at city hall over the last four years and said council should be “people representing people,” not political parties. (castanet.net 1) (castanet.net 2) The race is opening against a backdrop of a fractured 2022-2026 term at Kamloops city hall and an election calendar that already has candidates declaring six months out. (castanet.net) (kamloops.ca) As of Bertrand’s announcement, Castanet reported three others had already said they intend to seek council seats: Cindy Sonne, Nevin Webster and incumbent Coun. Nancy Bepple. (castanet.net) Bertrand said he has lived in Kamloops for nearly 17 years and has spent the last three years involved in a charity effort that provides grocery gift cards and other essentials to people who need help. (castanet.net) He described himself as a father of three with a fourth child on the way, and said he wants safer parks, safer streets and more attention to “the basics” before “bells and whistles.” (castanet.net) The next marker is formal nominations ahead of voting on Saturday, Oct. 17, when Kamloops voters will choose a mayor, council, school trustees and regional district directors. (kamloops.ca) (castanet.net)