Loving the Creston Valley lifestyle

After growing up in Creston, B.C., Ron Toyota is dedicated to serving the community in his position as mayor. He answered a few questions about what he most loves about the community and the things he looks forward to as he continues in the role.

What do you most enjoy about the Creston lifestyle?

I was born and raised in Creston and then spent 30 years in Cranbrook, moving back to the Creston Valley in 2001. Living in the Kootenays is my life.

Where did you go for post-secondary ed and who was a mentor for your career path?

I briefly attended SFU (Simon Fraser University) and VCC (Vancouver City College) and RCC (Radio College of Canada) in Toronto. I (was also glad to) learn from my father until 1973 when he passed away suddenly.

What was your first job?

My early jobs were in a tire retreading business and working the graveyard shift in a Vancouver service station. However, I worked in my father’s business through most of my school years.

What kind of challenge brings out the best in you?

I enjoy challenges, gathering information, pondering, getting input and data, then finding suitable solutions. This (process) could take five minutes or five months or five years.

If your city were a person, what would you say is its dominant personality characteristic? 

(I would say) friendly. A town is only a place. The people within—in their neighbourhoods and taking care of each other—are the community.

What do you especially love about your community?

I am obviously biased when I answer, but I truly believe that our community is about volunteerism and being and getting involved.

Before you became mayor, where might we have found you on a Saturday night?

I am not a night person. I enjoy getting up at 5 a.m., so my answer to this question is at home.

And now, where might you be on a Saturday night?

Ditto (to the answer above), except when on road trips or doing mayoral duties.

As mayor, what would you like your legacy to be in your city?

Here’s the rub—it is not about a legacy. I enjoy serving and all I want is to leave the town with a positive direction. I have served as a leader in many volunteer organizations and I have observed that when one leaves, the group continues and he or she can be quickly forgotten, but if the (group) continues to succeed then all is well.

Can you tell me how you’ve begun to achieve this?

I’ve served for five full years with one year more till the next election, which I plan to be a part of.