Jason Reynen may have been under the weather on Saturday night, but his spirits soared when he celebrated a big win in the Penticton city council by-election. Reynen, the owner of Performance Auto Care and Exhaust (PACE), previously came close to winning the mayor’s seat in 2022, falling just short by under 200 votes. His recent victory came after former councillor Amelia Boultbee announced she was leaving her position to run for a provincial seat.
With a decisive 1,839 votes, Reynen claimed his council seat—over 1,000 votes ahead of Juliana Buitenhuis, who finished with 783. The breakdown showed Reynen receiving 50.2% of the votes, while Buitenhuis captured 21.3%. Other candidates like Nick Stulberg and Riley Thompson followed with 10.8% and 7.1%, respectively.
Despite feeling sick, Reynen was buoyed by his win. "It’s pretty cool man," he reflected on the results. He had set high expectations for himself, having prepared diligently for the election. He noted, "Last time, I joined the race late, but this time I was ready."
Reynen’s enthusiasm for public service grew from his interactions with the community. He expressed that hearing people’s concerns and engaging in meaningful conversations motivated him. He wants to address ongoing issues like crime, drug use, and economic pressures that residents are currently facing. "There’s more demand for help now than ever," he pointed out, indicating that many people feel a loss of hope.
With a federal election approaching, Reynen understood the weight of fiscal responsibility that voters are looking for. As he awaited results on election night, he admitted feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Reynen also praised his opponent, Buitenhuis, for running a strong campaign. "She has all the qualities of a great councillor," he said, acknowledging her political experience.
Reflecting on his success, Reynen thanked friends and family for their unwavering support. He said, "It’s really their win as well," demonstrating a clear appreciation for everyone who backed him.
Interestingly, Reynen co-founded Clean Streets Penticton, a Facebook group focusing on local crime reports. Though he has stepped back from this group to concentrate on his council duties, he believes it helps keep him in touch with the community. "I want to hear what people are feeling," he emphasized.
As he transitions into his new role, Reynen feels confident about splitting his time between council and his business. "I love this city and its people," he shared, looking forward to what lies ahead.
On the other hand, Buitenhuis expressed pride in her close second place finish. She plans to run again in the 2026 municipal election, ensuring her voice remains part of important local dialogues. "I love talking to people about the issues that matter," she said, reinforcing her commitment to civic engagement.
This by-election reflects a growing trend of active political participation in Penticton. According to recent surveys, more citizens are willing to engage in local politics, a positive sign for the community’s future. With new voices like Reynen and potential future candidates like Buitenhuis, the local government landscape in Penticton may be shifting, reflecting the needs and desires of its residents.
For more information about political trends and community engagement, check out the Civic Engagement report.
Check out this related article: Pierre Poilievre Captivates Large Crowds in Osoyoos and Penticton: Highlights from His Inspiring Tour
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