The Salmon Arm pier at dusk on Shuswap Lake

Salmon Arm City Council · 2026

Ian Gray for Salmon Arm City Council

For a Strong Salmon Arm

“When you treat people right, word gets around.”
Ian’s long-standing business motto

Counting down to General Voting Day

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Plan your vote Meet Ian

0 Years married to Holly
0 Years with the Murray Auto Group
0 Raised for Second Harvest Food Bank
0 Guests welcomed at the Shark Shack
0 Grandchildren in the Shuswap

The story

From Portage la Prairie to Salmon Arm

Three decades of business, service and hockey rinks. Pick a year.

Portage la Prairie

Where it started

Ian grew up in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, where he and Holly were married and raised their family. His career began in the automotive industry after playing Junior A hockey.

A commitment to community

Where Ian shows up

Decades of coaching, fundraising and volunteering across the Shuswap.

Service
Rotary International
Member since 1997 and past club president. Paul Harris Fellow.
Youth sport
Minor hockey
Coached teams and served on hockey boards throughout his life.
Youth sport
SA Soccer
Helping host events for young players and volunteer coaches.
Food security
Second Harvest Food Bank
Christmas movie nights, and a golf tournament that has raised more than $50,000 over ten years.
Animal welfare
SPCA
A movie in the park at Marine Park in support of the SPCA.
Community
Soap Box Cart Races
Supported and helped organise alongside Holly.
Community
Barn dances
One of many community events the Grays have hosted.
Fundraising
Dancing with the Shuswap Stars
Danced with daughter Kaitie, and returned to raise funds again later.
Recreation
Larch Hills Cross Country Ski Club
Fundraising support through Dancing with the Shuswap Stars.
Healthcare
Shuswap Regional Hospital Foundation
A personal cause after four open-heart surgeries.
Family
Father’s Day Kids Fishing Derby
A longtime supporter of the derby at the Salmon Arm pier.

Truck tailgate reading “Proud Supporters of Everything Shuswap” covered with local sponsor decals — Proud supporters of everything Shuswap.

Family

The reason it matters

Ian and Holly are proud grandparents to four grandchildren. Their daughter Kaitie is the mother of Coast, affectionately known as “Coasty,” while their son Garick has three children: Harper, eight, Georgia, who will turn four in January, and Oakland, two and a half.

With grandchildren living in Blind Bay and Enderby, Salmon Arm has become the hub that brings the family together several times a week.

And then there is George, the family’s Great Dane, and Stella, their Frenchton, who are very much part of the family too.

For Ian, building a strong Salmon Arm is about more than the present. It is about creating a community where families can thrive, businesses can grow and future generations have opportunities to build their lives close to home.

In his own words

Why I’m Running

I’m running for Salmon Arm City Council because I care deeply about this community and where we are headed.

I believe the people we elect have a responsibility to represent all of our residents and taxpayers. That means asking questions, listening, and being willing to challenge things when they simply don’t make sense.

The status quo shouldn’t be protected simply because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.” At the same time, change for the sake of change isn’t the answer either.

I believe in applying common sense, looking carefully at the facts, and having open and respectful debate about the decisions that affect our community.

I also believe we need to think beyond today. The decisions Council makes now need to work for Salmon Arm today, while also considering what this community should look like 10, 20 and even 30 years from now.

We won’t always agree. We shouldn’t expect to.

Debate is not dysfunction.
Asking questions is not being difficult.
Debate is representation.

I’m running because I believe Salmon Arm deserves thoughtful leadership, responsible decision-making and a Council that listens, asks questions and looks ahead.

For a Strong Salmon Arm.

Voices

What people say

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“We have been neighbors and friends for over ten years. Ian and Holly are incredible people who will always be there for Anyone to support and care for in any situation. We are blessed to have them in our lives.”

“Ian and his wife Holly, along with their family have been more like family than neighbours. Their entire family is hard working and community focused.”

“I know you will do great things in council for the community.”

“When I heard that Ian was throwing his hat in the ring for city council, my first thought was, what a great idea, Ian doesn’t do anything halfway, his display of desire and dedication when we worked together was second to none. Congratulations and Good Luck Ian!”

“Couldn’t imagine a more genuine and caring human to be running for city council. Ian is the epitome of being a steward for the community. Treats everyone with dignity, has supported local businesses and families for years as a business owner himself, and leaves people feeling better after connecting with them. Wishing Ian nothing but the best, always.”

“A strong leader, dedicated family man and huge community supporter. And…he’s very tall!”

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Community support