A Lifetime of Serving People and Building Community

Julia Fraser’s commitment to community began long before she entered public office.

Growing up, her parents owned and operated a family motel in BC, where Julia learned firsthand that success comes from hard work, exceptional customer service, and treating every guest with respect. Like many family businesses, everyone pitched in. From a young age, she worked in housekeeping, laundry, reservations, and at the front desk, gaining an appreciation for every role that contributes to a successful operation.

Those early experiences taught Julia more than the value of hard work—they showed her that tourism is one of the cornerstones of British Columbia’s economy. She witnessed how visitors support local hotels, restaurants, shops, attractions, and countless small businesses, creating jobs and strengthening communities. She also learned that when local businesses thrive, entire communities benefit.

Inspired by her interest in business and the economy, Julia attended the University of British Columbia, where she studied Economics. Her education provided a strong foundation in economic principles, public finance, market dynamics, and responsible decision-making—knowledge that continues to guide her approach to governance today.

Julia later built a successful 30-year career in business-to-business sales, including 15 years as Regional Sales Manager for a British Columbia-owned and operated hotel chain. Travelling throughout the province, she partnered with businesses, tourism organizations, municipalities, and community leaders to promote destinations, support local economies, and strengthen regional tourism.

This unique combination of hospitality, economics, tourism, business leadership, and public service has given Julia a well-rounded perspective on the issues facing Kelowna today.

As a City Councillor, she understands that a strong local economy depends on supporting entrepreneurs, attracting visitors, encouraging investment, creating vibrant public spaces, and ensuring the infrastructure is in place for businesses to succeed. She also recognizes that every municipal decision—from transportation and housing to parks, recreation, and public safety—has an impact on residents, employers, employees, and the visitor experience.

Combined with her 15 years as an elected School Trustee, Julia brings a rare blend of private-sector experience and public-sector leadership. She understands how to balance budgets, evaluate competing priorities, build consensus, and make thoughtful decisions that serve the long-term interests of the community.

Julia believes the role of a City Councillor is to listen carefully, lead responsibly, and make decisions that strengthen Kelowna’s economy while preserving the exceptional quality of life that makes the city such a wonderful place to live, work, visit, and raise a family.

“Julia Fraser brings more than 45 years of leadership experience through hospitality, business, tourism, economics, and public service.”

Now, Julia is ready to bring that unique combination of private-sector leadership and public governance experience to Kelowna City Council.

Julia and her husband, Stuart, a retired teacher, have called Kelowna home for many years. Married for over 37 years, they have raised their family in the community they love. Their daughter, Emika, recently completed her third year studying Illustration at Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver, and Julia couldn’t be prouder of the creative, compassionate young woman she has become.

Outside of public service, Julia embraces everything the Okanagan has to offer. She enjoys boating, camping, skiing, scuba diving, travelling, and spending peaceful mornings kayaking on Okanagan Lake, Egan Lake, or Birch Bay. She loves experimenting with new recipes, baking for family and friends, tending her flower gardens, and growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and fruit in her backyard.

Her two cats, Sheena and Scout, happily remind her every day to slow down, enjoy the moment, and appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

Julia’s life was forever changed when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now a proud 10-year survivor, she understands firsthand the importance of resilience, compassion, and community support. Every year she is honoured to speak at Okanagan Mission Secondary School’s Relay for Life. Watching students come together to support the Canadian Cancer Society continues to inspire her. In 2026, those remarkable students raised more than $105,000, demonstrating the generosity and compassion that make Kelowna such a special community.

Julia believes the best leaders listen first. Throughout her career in both business and public service, she has learned that lasting solutions come from bringing people together, respecting different perspectives, making evidence-based decisions, and always putting the community first.

As your City Councillor, Julia will bring over 45 years of combined leadership experience in business and public service.

She offers proven expertise in governance, finance, budgeting, strategic planning, public consultation, policy development, relationship-building, negotiation, and collaborative decision-making.

Julia is committed to helping Kelowna remain a city where families can afford to live, businesses can prosper, neighbourhoods are safe, infrastructure keeps pace with growth, and future generations have every opportunity to succeed.

Experienced Leadership.

Business Perspective.

Community Commitment.

A Stronger Kelowna Together.