Ron Sargeant Seeks Council Seat, Promising Open Communication and a Focus on Essential Infrastructure

Osoyoos council candidate Ron Sargeant says he is running because he believes he can turn concerns he has raised from the public gallery into action at the council table.

“I am running because I feel I can make a difference,” Sargeant told Osoyoos News in response to our open invitation to candidates. “I have been vocal with my concerns in meetings with the current council in the past, and I feel that, if elected, I can turn these concerns into actions.”

Priorities for Osoyoos.

Sargeant identified safe drinking water and sewage treatment as his leading priorities, describing both as important concerns for residents.

“Like most people living in Osoyoos, my top priorities for our town are safe drinking water and sewage treatment,” he said.

He also believes the Town should work more closely with local small businesses to help them succeed.

“I believe we need to work more closely with small businesses in the community to ensure they can thrive.”

Beyond water and sewage treatment, Sargeant said Osoyoos must give greater attention to its broader municipal infrastructure. He did not propose a specific project or spending plan in his response, but said the areas he identified require immediate attention.

“I will support changes in the areas I have listed as priorities, as they are immediately needed,” he said.

Sargeant added that his decisions would also be guided by what residents tell council they value.

“I am open to supporting changes that our constituents value. I plan to use open communication to learn what the community values most, and I will work to support the changes residents want to see.”

Community Involvement and Work Experience

Sargeant has lived in Osoyoos for seven years. During that time, he has volunteered with several community organizations, including the Elks, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Festival Society. He is currently president of the Osoyoos Seniors Centre.

Before moving to Osoyoos, Sargeant spent 15 years with Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue, including one term as vice-president. He was also involved for several years as a leader with Scouts Canada.

His professional background is in plumbing. Sargeant said he began working as a plumber at 18, first as an employee and later as the owner of his own plumbing company for more than a decade.

What He Would Bring to Council?

Sargeant said he has regularly attended council meetings since moving to Osoyoos, initially as a resident seeking to advocate for the community.

That experience has left him believing previous councils have not always been as forthcoming with the public as they could have been.

“I will bring open communication and transparency to council,” he said. “I will not pretend to have all the answers to our town’s concerns, but I will ask the questions and guide conversations to ensure we reach solutions that are best for the long term and are the least financially detrimental to community members.”

Sargeant said he intends to maintain an open-door approach to communication and invited residents to contact him with questions or speak with him when they see him around town.

“I want to thank everyone for taking the time to read this,” he said. “If anyone has questions or would like to know more about me, they are welcome to ask.”

Sargeant can be reached by email at canoesargeant@outlook.com.

Editor’s note: Osoyoos News has offered every declared candidate the same opportunity to speak directly to residents. Responses may be edited for spelling, grammar and readability, but candidates’ stated positions and intended meaning are not changed.