Kelowna Centre BC NDP candidate Loyal Wooldridge said he would continue living in Kelowna if elected, months after announcing plans to move to Victoria and leave city council, according to Castanet's Sept. 27 reporting.
In June, the two-term councillor said he would not seek another term on city council. He told Castanet the planned relocation with his husband was about supporting family in Victoria.
By Sept. 27, he was returning to the provincial race. Pattison Media reported the following day that he intended to continue living in Kelowna if elected. Beach Radio, Sept. 28
Those statements establish his announced plans at two points in the year. They do not establish whether he subsequently moved, postponed the relocation or divided his time between the cities.
This publication has not obtained current confirmation from Wooldridge or his campaign that he is residing in Kelowna. His campaign has not been contacted for this report, and his current residence has not been independently verified.
In the Reddit discussion that prompted this report, some commenters raised concerns about the possibility of him living in Victoria. Others pointed to his family circumstances and the time MLAs spend in the capital. Those comments express individual opinions and do not establish broader community sentiment or his place of residence. Reddit discussion
Provincial candidates do not have to live in the riding they contest, according to Elections BC. Eligibility includes Canadian citizenship, a minimum age of 18 and at least six months of B.C. residency, alongside other legal requirements. Elections BC candidate requirements
Wooldridge previously contested Kelowna Centre in 2024. An Elections BC report records that Conservative Kristina Loewen won by 40 votes following a judicial recount. Elections BC election report, printed page 61
The final 2026 candidate list names Wooldridge, Loewen and OneBC's Bill Desrosiers in Kelowna Centre. Final Voting Day is Oct. 24. Official candidate list, Elections BC date confirmation
Photo: BC NDP / Loyal Wooldridge's official campaign portrait.