Michael Lewis tops local campaign spending

Published on February 2, 2023 by David Wylie

Photo: District of Lake Country

Michael Lewis was the big spender in the 2022 Lake Country municipal election.

Lewis spent a total of $3,675.45 to win his seat as councillor at large, according to financial disclosure information released Thursday by Elections BC.

He ran a direct mail campaign and newspaper ads, along with his signs. He raised $4,000 through a small number of large donations.

Tricia Brett was the runner up, spending $2,772.16 to win her seat as councillor for the Okanagan Centre ward.

She received donations from former Castanet owner Nick Frost, as well as past Lake Country’s first mayor, Bob McCoubrey.

Brett favoured web advertising, along with signs and promotional materials.

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Bib Patel spent $1,600.22 in his successful bid for a councillor at large seat. He spent the money on signs and promotional materials, including temporary tattoos of himself.

Bill Scarrow, who lost his bid for councillor at large, spent no money on his campaign.

Riley Hastings’ failed bid to best Brett in Okanagan Centre cost $1,040.50, which he spent on signs.

Heather Irvine spent $453.60 on signs, narrowly winning the Winfield ward over Jerremy Kozub, who spent no money on his campaign.

Mayor Blair Ireland spent no money as he was acclaimed after Barry Rhodes withdrew.

Also spending zero dollars were Cara Reed (acclaimed in Carr’s Landing) and Todd McKenzie (acclaimed in Oyama).

Financial disclosures in Lake Country for the 2022 election can be found here on Election BC’s website.

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Correction Feb. 3: Michael Lewis reached out to the Journal to flag an error in the original Elections BC data, which says he spent $7,350.90.