So far, only one candidate has announced intentions to run for the city council seat in the upcoming City of Castlegar byelection.

Shirley Falstead is the first candidate to publicly declare they are entering the race.

Falstead says, “I believe my experience and background as a business owner and expertise in economic development will enhance the capacity of the council as it looks at development through these trying times and beyond.”

She says her priorities will be affordable housing, increased access to medical services and economic development opportunities.

Falstead has over twenty years experience as a practitioner and consultant specializing in community economic development, policy analysis, strategic planning, tourism studies, and Phase 1 Environmental Assessments.

She is the secretary of the Heritage Credit Union Board of Directors, treasurer of Castlegar Rota Villa Society, volunteer with the Castlegar Red Cross, past member of the board of the Prince Albert Co-operative Health Center and the Prince Albert Safe Shelter for Women.

The byelection was originally needed to fill the mayor’s seat left vacant when mayor Bruno Tassone resigned earlier this year. But it was expanded to include a council seat after sitting councilor Florio Vassilakakis announced plans to run for mayor, which required him to vacate his council seat.

Three candidates — Kirk Duff, Gord Lamont and Florio Vassilakakis — have announced plans to run for mayor.

The election will be held on April 24. The candidate filing deadline is March 19.

betsy.kline@castlegarnews.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter