2026 General Local Election Candidates
Candidate profiles are published as submitted by the candidates, subject only to formatting for the Village website. The Village of New Denver does not endorse any candidate or verify the content of candidate profiles.
Mayor
Leonard Casley
Elected by acclamation
Councillor Candidates
Four Councillors are to be elected. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order
Melvie Buenacosa
Candidate for Councillor
My name is Melvie, running for a Councillor here in New Denver, to be of service to the residents. I believe we can work together to make New Denver a place to live and visit.
Let’s pursue unity and kindness. I am willing and eager to listen.
Daphne Budding
Candidate for Councillor
I grew up on a grain farm in southern Saskatchewan, near a small town that has become a ghost town.
About eight years ago, my husband and I moved to New Denver. When the opportunity arose to buy the local yarn and fabric shop, I purchased it. The shop serves customers from across a wide area of the West Kootenays.
I have watched small towns in Saskatchewan fade away and I do not want to see that happen to New Denver. We must work to keep this village prospering. I want to be part of this challenge; helping the village to attract new people who will provide businesses and services that the village needs.
I stand for a healthy New Denver and, if elected, I will work to ensure the Village of New Denver thrives.
Steve Deakoff
Candidate for Councillor
I have been a resident of New Denver since 1972 and have family ties to New Denver dating back 90 years. I graduated from Lucerne High School in 1974.
I met my wife Christine in 1976 and we were married in 1978. We have raised our 2 children in New Denver and live here year round.
I have been involved in the community my entire adult life. I was a member of the local Kinsmen Club, a community service club, for many years during which time I held every elected office at least once and was Club President on 2 occasions.
I worked for the Village of New Denver as a member of the Public Works department from 2005 until my retirement in 2019.
I am seeking election for Village council as I wish to be part of the continuation of the progressive direction the town has experienced under the leadership of the past 2 Village Councils. It would be a great honour to be elected to New Denver Council.
Vern Gustafson
Candidate for Councillor
Retired business person. Served on New Denver Council from 2018 to 2022.
Kathy Hartman
Candidate for Councillor
Kathy Hartman is a longtime New Denver resident, educator, community advocate, and volunteer with decades of experience in education, social justice, housing, and community service.
Kathy first came to New Denver in the late 1990s to teach at Lucerne School. After returning to the Kootenays, she made New Denver her permanent home and became deeply involved in the community.
Affordable housing has become one of her most sustained areas of service. Through New Denver and Area Housing, Kathy helped strengthen the organization’s governance and worked closely with the teams behind the Osprey housing project throughout its planning and development. She later joined Slocan Valley Housing and continues to support regional efforts to improve housing opportunities and access to funding.
Her community involvement has also included youth services, heritage initiatives, the New Denver library, and numerous local events.
Kathy is running for Village Council because she believes good representation starts with showing up. She wants residents to feel heard, respected, and included in the decisions that affect their community. She brings practical experience, a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a willingness to listen carefully and do the work required to serve New Denver well.
Jude Louwerse
Candidate for Councillor
Candidate biography not submitted.
Colin Moss
Candidate for Councillor
My wife Janice and I moved to New Denver from the Okanagan 21 years ago. Janice found work at the local health centre and we also started a property management and yard care business which is ongoing.
I shared the New Denver Good Citizen of the Year award in 2012 and have volunteered with various local and provincial organizations, some of which are: New Denver Historical Society board member; volunteer and board member of the New Denver Hospice Society; secretary-treasurer plus membership and health committee chair of the Slocan District Chamber of Commerce; vice president and membership committee chair of the BC Rural Health Network; New Denver Council representative on the Regional District of Central Kootenay board from 2018-2022.
I am presently finishing up my second consecutive term as New Denver Councillor and currently serve as chair of the Village Council Library Status Committee.
I look forward to being a member of the next Village Council and working to maintain the positive direction established by the past two Village councils that I have had the honour and privilege to serve on.
