Over the past four years, it has been an honour to serve the residents of Creston as a Town Councillor. That experience has strengthened my commitment to public service and reinforced how much can be accomplished when Council, staff, volunteers, community organizations and regional partners work together. I’m running for Mayor because I want to build on the momentum we’ve created, strengthen the areas where we can do better, and help lead Creston thoughtfully into the next four years.
For seven years, I have served on the board of Beyond Barriers Support Society, formerly Cresteramics, including serving as Vice-President. The organization supports inclusion and community participation for people with diverse abilities.
For nearly four years, I have served as a Director with Valley Community Services, a local non-profit providing counselling, early childhood development, early-years, seniors and other social supports throughout the Creston Valley.
For Creston’s Centennial, I produced and directed 100 Years of Music, a historical production featuring 70 musicians and 11 acts celebrating our community’s musical history. The production was presented during the 2024 Blossom Festival Opening Ceremonies.
For the 85th annual Creston Valley Blossom Festival, I produced and directed a historical production paying homage to past Blossom Festival Opening Ceremonies and celebrating the traditions that have shaped this longstanding community event.
I serve on the planning committee for Taste of Creston, helping bring together local food, businesses and community partners to showcase and celebrate what our valley has to offer.
I was part of the Council that established the Creston Valley Housing Corporation in response to our community’s need for attainable housing. As Chair, I have helped guide its work as it moves forward with its first major housing and childcare development.
As Chair of the Arrow Creek Water Treatment and Supply Commission, I represent the Town in the regional governance of the Arrow Creek water service and the infrastructure that supplies this essential community resource.
I represent Creston on the RDCK Water Services Committee, which oversees regional water and drainage services, including Arrow Creek and numerous other community water systems throughout the Central Kootenay.
As Council liaison to the Creston Valley Blossom Festival Association, I help maintain the connection between the Town and the volunteers behind one of Creston’s longstanding community celebrations.
As Council liaison to the Airport Society, I have supported work on the Creston Valley Airport Master Plan and efforts to better understand the airport’s social and economic value to our region.
As Creston’s Alternate RDCK Director, I am available to represent the Town at the regional level when required, helping ensure Creston has a voice in decisions and services that extend beyond municipal boundaries.
As a previous Chair of the Cemetery Advisory Committee, I participated in advising Council on the operation and development of Town-managed cemeteries throughout the Creston Valley.
I served on the committee supporting the planning and coordination of Creston’s 100th anniversary celebrations, helping bring community partners and events together for the 2024 Centennial.
As a previous Council liaison to the Trails for Creston Valley Society, I supported the relationship between the Town and a volunteer-led organization working to build, maintain and protect public trail access throughout the Creston Valley.
As a previous Council representative, I was involved in the work that led to the launch of Emergency Management Creston, strengthening regional coordination, preparedness and our community’s ability to respond to emergencies.
As Mayor, I will focus on the areas where municipal leadership can make the biggest difference, building on what’s working and tackling the challenges ahead.
Transparent communication, responsible budgeting, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making.
Building strong connections with residents, Town staff, Yaqan Nuʔkiy, local businesses, nonprofits, the RDCK, and other levels of government.
Supporting local business, encouraging investment, strengthening partnerships with the Chamber, strengthening governance of the economic partnership, and continuing to advocate for trucks to be rerouted out of downtown.
Supporting attainable housing, childcare, coordinated community services, and continued advocacy for stronger provincial mental health, addiction, and social supports. Continuing to advocate for a fair policing model.
Planning responsibly for roads, stormwater, emergency preparedness, wildfire mitigation, parks, trails, active transportation, and the airport.
I will listen, show up, ask questions, work hard, bring people together, and lead with integrity.
My family has called Creston home for generations, and I’m proud to be the third generation of my family to serve on Creston Town Council.
I’ve been married for 28 years and am the proud mom of four grown children. For the past 21 years, I’ve owned and operated a contract painting company here in the community. I’m also a group fitness trainer, an avid hiker, and someone who genuinely loves being involved in the place I call home.
Community service has long been an important part of my life. I have volunteered with Beyond Barriers Support Society (formerly Cresteramics) for seven years and with Valley Community Services for nearly four years.
Creston isn’t simply where I live or where I serve on Council. It’s home. I care deeply about this community, the people who make it what it is, and the future we’re building together.
deniseforcreston@gmail.com | (250) 421-7050
Authorized by Denise Dumas, Financial Agent | (250) 421-7050