Mary Ellen Buhler launches campaign for Mayor of Lake Country
Buhler enters the mayoral race promising practical, collaborative leadership focused on accountability, responsible growth and getting results.
LAKE COUNTRY, B.C. | September 14, 2026 — Mary Ellen Buhler has officially launched her campaign to become the next Mayor of Lake Country, bringing a practical and collaborative approach to leadership focused on responsible growth, infrastructure, financial accountability and a Council that works together to deliver results.
Buhler says she is running because Lake Country is at a pivotal point. As the community grows and changes, so does the pressure on roads, water, infrastructure, services and household budgets. The decisions made over the next four years will have a lasting impact on the community.
“Lake Country is an incredible place to live, and people care deeply about what happens here. We need to make sure infrastructure keeps pace with growth; taxpayers are getting value for their money and the decisions we make today protect what people love about Lake Country while preparing us for the future.”
Central to Buhler’s approach is a belief that effective local government starts with a strong, respectful and functioning Council. “A Mayor is one member of Council. Good leadership means listening to and valuing the perspectives of the people residents have elected to represent them,” said Buhler. “Different opinions should be welcomed. My job as Mayor would be to help bring those perspectives together, build consensus where we can and create a Council culture focused on getting things done for Lake Country.”
Buhler brings leadership experience from senior roles in retail and human resources, where she managed large teams, complex operations and significant budgets. Today, she works as an Education Assistant in Lake Country, supporting children and families and advocating for vulnerable students. She also serves as a strata president, with direct experience in governance, budgeting, infrastructure planning and balancing competing priorities.
While Buhler is taking an unconventional route by running directly for Mayor, she sees her experience leading teams and organizations as an asset. “Leadership is not about having all the answers or being the loudest voice in the room,” said Buhler. “It is about bringing good people together, listening, making sound decisions and creating the conditions for a team to succeed. A functioning team gets things done, and that is the kind of leadership I want to bring to Council.”
Buhler’s campaign will focus on the fundamentals of local government: responsible spending, reliable infrastructure and water systems, thoughtful growth, safe and resilient neighbourhoods, support for local businesses, and a Municipal Hall that is transparent and accountable to residents.
Three accountability commitments
City Hall Report Card: An annual, straightforward account of what Council committed to, what was completed, what was delayed and what it cost.
Spending and Staffing Review: An examination of municipal operations, staffing, contracts and programs to identify duplication and unnecessary costs while protecting essential front-line services.
Infrastructure First Plan: Clear priorities, timelines and costs for roads, water, sewer, drainage, sidewalks and municipal assets.
“We can welcome growth while protecting the quality of life that makes Lake Country special,” said Buhler. “But that requires planning, financial discipline and a Council that can work together around shared priorities.”
Listening to residents will also be a central part of Buhler’s campaign. In addition to meeting with residents, community organizations and local businesses, she is hosting virtual coffee chats where Lake Country residents can speak with her directly, ask questions and share what they want to see from their next Mayor and Council.
Residents can sign up for a virtual coffee chat through her campaign website, with chats held every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 8:00 a.m.
“I want to hear from people across Lake Country, including people who may never attend a council meeting or traditional campaign event. Grab a coffee, join me online and tell me what’s on your mind. Listening shouldn’t start after an election. It should be how you earn someone’s vote in the first place.”
Buhler says that same approach will guide her if elected. “I don’t expect everyone around the Council table to agree with me, and I don’t think they should,” she said. “Different perspectives can lead to better decisions when people listen to one another and treat each other with respect. I want to build a Council that can have difficult conversations, make decisions and then get to work for the people we serve.”
Mary Ellen Buhler is an officially declared candidate for Mayor of the District of Lake Country in the 2026 General Local Election. General Voting Day is Saturday, October 17, 2026.