Council candidate wants to make Penticton a role model for Canada

PENTICTON – Tarik Sayeed can often be found in the gallery during city council meetings, but now he’s looking for a new spot—around the table.

Sayeed, 36, is a local entrepreneur and community activist. He founded the Zero Plastic Bags initiative, was listed on the Chamber’s Top 40 Under 40 list, and has most recently been invited to present at TEDxToronto.

Sayeed’s plan is to build Penticton up to “become the Role Model for Canada for the overall well-being of our citizens,” he said.  Using the “well-being” Role Model premise as a filter for all decisions, he will lobby for upgrades that will offer more jobs in the health and environment sectors, and promote a clean, safe and welcoming atmosphere, he said.

"I think it will be important for me as a councillor to really understand what the barriers are in our community, and what does not support an inclusive environment,” he said. “Some barriers will be easy fixes, while others will take longer and may require cultural shifts.  We have the opportunity to be a role model inclusive community using a proactive approach for attracting people to our area."

To contact the reporter for this story, email Meaghan Archer at marcher@infotelnews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.