About Riley

A Penticton kid,
through and through.

Learn about the person who wants to represent you at City Hall — where he came from, what drives him, and what he believes in.

His Story

Raised here. Staying here. Answering to here.

Riley Thompson grew up in Penticton and has never wanted to be anywhere else. He's spent his life watching the South Okanagan grow — the vineyards spreading across the Naramata Bench, Skaha Lake always blue in summer, the community tight-knit and proud.

Now working as an apprentice electrician, Riley is building his career right here in Penticton. He's got a girlfriend he loves, plans for a family, and a deep commitment to making this community everything it can be for the next generation.

In the spring 2025 by-election, Riley put his name forward for the first time — at 24, the youngest candidate in the race. He finished fourth out of seven, earning 262 votes and proving there's real appetite in Penticton for a new voice on council. The Penticton Herald called it "a respectable fourth place." More importantly, the experience of knocking on hundreds of doors and hearing directly from residents shaped the platform Riley is running on today.

"I hope to be back and plan on running again in 2026. I love the process and I love going around and speaking to people about local issues. It's super exciting to knock on doors and talk to people about politics and what matters to them. I will be running for sure in 2026."
— Riley Thompson, to Castanet · 2025

He kept that promise. This time he's running for a full term — with more experience, a sharper platform, and the same commitment to Penticton that's been there from day one. He's also the only candidate running as a true independent — not part of the Conservative slate, not part of the progressive slate. Just Penticton.

South Okanagan
At a Glance
Hometown Penticton, BC
Occupation Apprentice Electrician
Age 25
2025 By-Election 4th of 7 · 262 votes
Affiliation Independent — no slate, no party
Term Full term · October 17, 2026
Focus Housing, Economy, Environment, Fiscal Responsibility
Roots Lifelong South Okanagan resident
Values

Rooted in Okanagan values.

Community First
Decisions made for Penticton residents and families, not outside interests or party agendas.
Practical Solutions
A tradesperson's mindset: identify the problem, plan it properly, build something that lasts.
Long-Term Thinking
Riley isn't here for a short stint — he's planting roots and building a future here alongside everyone else.
Honest Dialogue
Willing to disagree when something isn't right, and willing to give credit where it's genuinely due.
Invested in the Outcome
Riley isn't here for a stint on council — he's building his life, his career, and his family in Penticton. Every decision council makes is one he'll live with for decades. That's not youth. That's skin in the game.
Collaborative Spirit
Working with the province, BC Housing, and local businesses — achieving more together than going it alone.
Independent Thinking
Riley isn't on a slate. He doesn't have a party whip or a team telling him how to vote. Every position on his platform is one he arrived at himself — from talking to residents, reading the budget, and applying a tradesman's common sense. When a good idea lands on the council table, he'll vote for it — no matter who proposed it.
"This is my home. I grew up here, I'm starting my career here — I'm not planning on going anywhere."
— Riley Thompson
Get Involved

Want to help Riley win?

Lawn signs, door knocking, phone banking, or just spreading the word — every bit of support makes a difference.

Get Involved See the Platform