Paul Heywood is a seasoned public-sector leader with more than 27 years of experience working in public service and community leadership across Western Canada. He believes British Columbia deserves a pragmatic, moderate approach to government—one focused on delivering results, managing public resources responsibly and finding common ground.

Paul studied Political Science with a minor in pre-law at the University of Victoria and has built a career leading complex organizations, major projects and community initiatives. As Director of the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre in Medicine Hat, he helped build and lead a $110-million cultural institution.

During his time with the City of Cranbrook, Paul held several senior leadership positions, including Director of Recreation and Culture, Manager of Bylaw Investigations and Manager of Building Services. In Building Services, he oversaw record permit volumes exceeding $245 million in a single year, supporting significant ongoing growth in the community. He has managed substantial budgets, led teams of more than 80 employees and guided organizations through major technological and operational change.

Paul has also led major community projects, helped raise millions of dollars for non-profit organizations and been an active member of Rotary for decades. He will serve as Rotary President for the 2027–28 year. Throughout his career, he has worked with municipal councils, boards, community organizations and major corporations to build consensus and turn priorities into action.

His experience has also given him a strong understanding of public policy and the importance of developing policies that serve communities and deliver measurable results.

Paul believes strong public services depend on a healthy private-sector economy, that government must be fiscally responsible while remaining socially progressive, and that elected officials accomplish more by working together than by picking political fights.

He is committed to helping build a safer, more affordable and more prosperous British Columbia, with a particular focus on the Kootenay-Rockies communities he knows and serves.