Calling Colin Basran, Kelowna’s newly elected and youngest-ever Mayor, a right winger would not be an inaccurate statement.

 

 

 

 

Allow me to explain. On the second Friday of January, Elaine and I had a chance to sit down with Mayor Basran in his City Hall third-floor office. We were invited guests looking to network and get the skinny on Kelowna’s slender skipper. We barely broached the subjects of his political persuasions or party caucuses. Ho hum. I wanted the juicier stuff.

 

 

 

That led us to talking hobbies and how he blows off steam. His favorite activity– playing pickup hockey once a week with former National Hockey League and international players at the Capital News Centre. His favorite position – right wing. Told ya. His favorite team and player of all time – the Edmonton Oilers and Wayne Gretzky.

 

 

 

 

“I adored number 99 when he played for the Oilers,” said the 37-year-old Basran. “I wanted to play the game like him and have blonde hair like him. Who didn’t? There was no one else like him. These days being on the ice is an excellent workout and my way of staying close to the game.”

 

 

 

Staying close to Kelowna has evolved into the Mayor’s mantra and selling point. He was born and raised in the city, now he and wife Leanne are raising their two young children a few blocks from Okanagan Lake and its sandy shores. He would like nothing more than overseeing a prosperous community that is connected economically, socially, and politically.

 

 

 

“My wife was not surprised when I told her I wanted to run for Mayor,” recalled Basran with a proud smile and full set of teeth. “She was my rock. She was totally supportive because she knew this was my passion. I’m doing what I love in the city I love.  My parents were also thrilled. My dad’s heart hurts because he is so proud. “

 

 

 

 

Right across from the Mayor’s desk are family photos showcasing multiple generations. Family always comes first with the Basran clan. He enthusiastically tells the story of how, in 1907, his great grandfather walked from Vancouver to Kelowna to establish roots. Crazy, but true. Over the years the family became part of the Indo-Canadian community and got into cattle, orchards, and various entrepreneurial endeavors. All current generations still live and thrive in K-Town.

 

 

Now that 2015 is on the books – what are the responsibilities and anxieties of a modern-day Mayor? How will he handle face offs with City Council? Will he be penalized for slashing budgets? Will he skate into the corners and bang bodies with the City Manager and downtown developers?

 

 

Basran most recently was a Realtor at Royal LePage Kelowna and a Kelowna City Councillor (three years) and Regional District Director. Before that he crafted stories as a news reporter with CHBC Television. Truth be told – he’s barely broken a sweat early into his inflated four-year term.

 

 

“I see my role as captain of the team,” he explained. “I set the direction and serve as spokesperson for the city. We’re a mid-sized municipality with about 125,000 residents. We also have the lowest business-tax rate in British Columbia. My goal is to help our local business grow while attracting new businesses and thought leaders. We can certainly become an entrepreneurial melting pot that attracts young people and top talent from Canada and around the world.

 

 

 

“We have all the ingredients. Kelowna is a four seasons playground and popular place to live. Not one industry dominates here. We’re open to opportunities. The Economic Development Commission is forecasting that within the next five years local businesses will have to hire 75,000 skilled workers. Right now we have a skills shortage.”

 

 

Basran’s pro-business stance is about to become a broken record. He wants think tanks offering up great ideas that can be brought forward and implemented. He wants two-way communication with residents and constituents. He wants UBCO as one of the vehicles leading the diversity charge through its International Programs and Services curriculum.

 

 

 

 

 

All that will take time, energy, and effort. As Mayor, he has zero veto power. He’ll have to play nice with opponents and make friends in the locker room. As winter grips the city, Kid Kelowna is still settling in and shooting straight about his electoral sky box.

 

 

 

“Look at that view of the Kelowna Yacht Club and Stuart Park,” he mused, while looking out his west-facing wall of windows. “Every day I get to look out onto the largest freshwater marina in North America. Did I say I really like my job?”