Tim Palmer City of Revelstoke Councillor

09/13/2026

Water Meters: Troubled Rollout.

I support council decision to move towards universal water meters, but only when it is done with good community consultation. Properly implemented, metering is an important tool for conservation and responsible management of our water system.

Council's approach to this program however, is very flawed.

I have significant concerns about the lack of clarity around homeowner responsibilities and requirements, the approach to enforcement, and the adequacy of public communication and engagement. I believe these issues have contributed significantly to the frustration we are now seeing in the community.

These concerns are not new for me.

At the August 11 Council meeting, when the Public Infrastructure Committee discussion turned to residents who may be apprehensive about installations, I questioned why we were approaching the issue from an enforcement perspective rather than first engaging with the public.

During that same discussion, I raised concerns about communications and conflicting information about when installations would begin. Council was assured that communications would come from the City and that the community would be informed.

I concluded that discussion by saying:

“I think we got a major problem.”

Unfortunately, I believe that concern is now being borne out.

This should not become a debate between those who are “for” or “against” water meters. There are legitimate questions that need clear answers, including homeowner responsibilities, installation requirements and costs, difficult or unusual installations, enforcement, and what happens from here.

Today, I have requested that the Mayor call a Special Council Meeting so Council can address these issues publicly and promptly.

We need clear and reasonable policy, meaningful public engagement, and a much better implementation process.

09/07/2026

Happy Labour Day!

Recognizing the people whose work keeps our community moving; in our businesses, construction sites, schools, healthcare, public services, tourism, and so many other workplaces.

Thank you to everyone who contributes their skills, energy and effort to make Revelstoke the community it is.

09/07/2026

Pursuing excellence rarely means starting from scratch. More often, it means taking something good, examining it critically, and making it better.

I spent a morning with my web mentor, Jonathan Palmer, refreshing RevyMayor.ca with a focus on three things: Content, Consistency and Clarity.

Content: Making sure the values of Vision, Transparency and Accountability are reflected throughout the site. These are principles that I believe should guide good local government.

Consistency: Staying focused on those core values rather than being distracted by whichever issue happens to be generating the most attention at the moment.

Clarity: Making the site straightforward, informative and easy to navigate. Good communication should make it easier—not harder—for people to understand what I stand for and what I'm proposing.

For me, RevyMayor.ca is more than an election tool. It's another opportunity to demonstrate the approach I would bring to the Mayor's office: keep learning, keep improving, communicate clearly and pursue excellence.

You'll also find campaign updates, upcoming election dates, ways to get involved, and more about the ideas and priorities I'm putting forward.

Enjoy RevyMayor.ca !

09/05/2026

I'm heading out door knocking again today, continuing conversations with residents who have shown an interest in protecting Revelstoke's heritage.

Why?

This Tuesday, Council will consider a bylaw to merge the Heritage Commission with the Advisory Planning Commission.
There are legitimate reasons being put forward for the change, including challenges recruiting commission members and maintaining quorum.

But the Heritage Commission has provided a dedicated voice for heritage for almost 30 years. And following extensive public engagement, Council adopted a comprehensive Heritage Management Plan only two years ago.

So before I vote on changing that structure, I'm independently seeking input from residents who care about Revelstoke's heritage.
The conversations I've had so far have raised some important questions:

Will merging the commissions strengthen heritage protection—or dilute its dedicated focus?

Are recruitment and quorum the real problem, or should we be looking more broadly at why citizen participation on City committees has become difficult?

How do we ensure heritage knowledge and community involvement aren't lost?

I'll be continuing those conversations door to door today.
If I don't make it to your door—or you simply have something you'd like me to consider—I'd like to hear from you before Tuesday's Council meeting.

You can also provide your comments to Mayor and Council at [email protected].

Good decisions require good information. Sometimes that means getting out from behind the Council table and asking.

I'm Tim Palmer, still pursuing excellence.

09/04/2026

How to Embrace the Positive

Whether conducting research to improve salmon habitat around hydro dams, embracing modern technology with Revelstoke Search and Rescue, organizing epic rafting trips through the Grand Canyon, or teaching meditation, Giles Shearing is a person of energy, commitment and passion.

My recent conversation with Giles focused on collaborative approaches to complex community challenges. When different organizations, interests and personalities are involved, even shared objectives can become difficult to achieve.

Giles shared a simple meditative technique called BELLA: Be. Examine. Lessen. Let Go. Appreciate.

It offers an interesting approach to problem-solving: be present, examine the situation, look for ways to lessen the barriers, do what we can — then let go and appreciate what we have.

There is wisdom in that balance: work constructively and persistently toward solutions, without allowing the challenges to overshadow the positive.

Thank you, Giles, for the conversation and the inspiration.

Still pursuing excellence.

09/03/2026

http://revymayor.ca/

Over thirty years of municipal government experience. Experienced, practical, community-minded.

09/01/2026

Well, it is no longer top secret. It is official.

I am seeking election as Mayor of Revelstoke.

For those of you who know me well, this probably isn't much of a surprise.

I've spent more than 30 years working in local government—in the trades, managing infrastructure, in senior administration, and now as a two-term City Councillor.

Through all of those roles, I've learned that good local government matters enormously.

It affects the roads we drive on, the water we drink, the neighbourhoods we build, the taxes we pay, the businesses we operate, the parks we play in—and ultimately the kind of community we leave to the next generation.

08/30/2026

Thank you to the Young Agrarians and Kristina Metzlaff of Bird Tree Urban Farm for this morning's potluck breakfast and educational urban farm tour.

It is so encouraging to see a new generation of conscientious individuals pursuing wholesome values—including sustainable, locally grown food (and flowers!) and stronger connections to the land.

I was particularly interested to learn more about the Young Agrarians Land Matching Program, which helps connect farmers looking for land with landowners interested in putting their property to productive agricultural use.

A great example of growing community connections.