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Teresa May, candidate for Kelowna City Council

Kelowna Votes · October 2026

TeresaMay

for Kelowna City Council

Listening. Leading. Delivering.

With a Fresh Perspective

Common-sense ideas to make Kelowna safer, more affordable, and better connected for everyone.

Meet Teresa

Not a politician. A connector.

Kelowna has been home for more than 20 years. Teresa is a mother and grandmother, a small-business owner, and a lifelong community volunteer who has spent her life bringing people together to solve real problems, not to score political points.

She isn't running because she's a politician. She's running because she's a connector. She listens first, gets to know the challenges families and neighbourhoods are facing, and works on solutions that actually move the city forward.

Kelowna is growing fast, and that growth should make life better, not harder: safer streets, homes people can afford, real support for seniors and families, and a downtown where local businesses can thrive.

Read Teresa's full story

Teresa May is a lifelong entrepreneur, community leader, volunteer, and advocate who has spent decades investing in the people and future of Kelowna.

Throughout her career, Teresa May has owned and managed a diverse range of businesses, including a custom home building company, a talent agency in the film industry, a dental practice, a furniture refinishing business, a fundraising enterprise, and a specialty meat shop. She has also worked as a teacher and is a published author. Her broad business background has given her firsthand experience in leadership, budgeting, problem-solving, customer service, and creating employment opportunities.

Teresa May is perhaps best known for her unwavering commitment to community service. Over the past two decades, she has volunteered thousands of hours with organizations that support families, children, seniors, health care, and those experiencing hardship. Her volunteer leadership has included serving with and, in many cases, chairing organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, the Children's Festival, the Wild Women Wise Women Foundation, East Meets West, the Kelowna Gospel Mission, Shoe Bank Canada, The Bridge Youth & Family Services, the Community Food Bank, and Canadian Blood Services. She has always believed that strong communities are built through service, collaboration, and compassion.

Today, Teresa May continues to work alongside her husband Peter Teschner in the residential construction industry, advocating for sustainable, innovative building practices that address housing affordability, environmental responsibility, and community growth. She is passionate about responsible development that enhances neighbourhoods while preparing Kelowna for the future. Together they have 1 daughter and 3 sons, and 4 grandchildren.

As a grandmother, business owner, volunteer, and lifelong resident, Teresa May brings a practical, balanced, fresh perspective to community issues. She understands the challenges facing families, seniors, businesses, and young people because she has lived them. Her approach is collaborative rather than divisive, and she believes the best solutions come from listening, building relationships, and bringing people together.

Teresa May is seeking public office because she wants to build on the positive momentum Kelowna has achieved. She believes in thoughtful growth, fiscal responsibility, strong community partnerships, and maintaining the high quality of life that makes Kelowna such a remarkable place to live.

Her decades of volunteerism, business leadership, and community involvement reflect a simple philosophy: give back, work hard, listen carefully, and leave your community better than you found it.

20+
Years calling Kelowna home
Local
Small-business owner
Author
& former teacher
Family
Mother & grandmother

What I'll Fight For

Four priorities for a better Kelowna

Common-sense ideas, focused on the things that affect your daily life.

Safe Streets: Safer roads. Safer neighbourhoods. Safer for everyone.

Safe Streets

Safer roads. Safer neighbourhoods. Safer for everyone.

  • Cleaner parks
  • Safer neighbourhoods
  • More accountability
  • Recovery-focused solutions
Housing That Works: Homes our families, workers, and seniors can actually afford.

Housing That Works

Homes our families, workers, and seniors can actually afford.

  • Faster approvals
  • More housing choices
  • Affordable options
  • Responsible growth
Seniors & Families: Building a Kelowna where everyone can live well and stay connected.

Seniors & Families

Building a Kelowna where everyone can live well and stay connected.

  • Aging in place
  • Accessible communities
  • Recreation
  • Community connections
Strong Local Economy: Supporting local business. Creating good jobs. Building prosperity.

Strong Local Economy

Supporting local business. Creating good jobs. Building prosperity.

  • Support local business
  • Job creation
  • Reduce red tape
  • A vibrant downtown
“My vision is a Kelowna where families thrive, businesses succeed, neighbourhoods feel safe, and every generation has the opportunity to build a better future.”

Kelowna can be safe, welcoming, and full of opportunity. Together, we can build practical solutions that strengthen our neighbourhoods, support local businesses, and create a safer, stronger future for families, seniors, businesses, and generations to come.

Teresa May

Get Involved

This campaign runs on people like you

Whether you can knock on doors, put a sign on your lawn, or simply share your ideas for a better Kelowna, every bit helps. Tell Teresa how you'd like to pitch in and the campaign will be in touch.

  • Volunteer your time

    Canvassing, phone calls, events, and more.

  • Display a lawn sign

    Show your neighbours you're on board.

  • Share your ideas

    Tell Teresa what matters most to you.

I'd like to…

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