About Tom
Local Roots. Real Experience.
Tom Shypitka has spent his life connected to Cranbrook and the East Kootenay. Now he is ready to bring that experience home to City Hall.
Meet Tom
Cranbrook Has Always Been Home
Tom was born in Cranbrook and grew up with a deep appreciation for the people, work ethic, and outdoor lifestyle that define the Kootenays. Raising 3 children with his wife Carrie, they are also blessed with 2 grandchildren. Before entering provincial politics, Tom built a practical career in business, finance, and real estate. He understands what it takes to meet payroll, serve customers, invest locally, and keep going when costs rise and conditions change.
Business perspective matters at City Hall. Local businesses are not just storefronts or balance sheets. They create jobs, support youth sports, sponsor community events, donate to local causes, and help keep Cranbrook vibrant.
Tom also understands that a strong city is built by more than business alone. Over the years, he has worked with non-profits, service providers, community organizations, Indigenous governments, regional partners, and provincial decision-makers on the real issues facing people and families in Cranbrook.
The Record
Experience That Connects
From Baker Street to the Legislature — a career spent understanding how decisions at every level affect Cranbrook.
Cranbrook Roots & Business
Experience in small business, finance, food and beverage operations, and real estate — a practical understanding of cost pressure, customer service, investment, regulation, and the importance of a healthy local economy.
Cranbrook City Council
Elected to Cranbrook City Council in 2014 — a direct understanding of municipal operations, council decision-making, infrastructure priorities, local services, and the expectations residents have of City Hall.
Regional & Hospital District
Director with the Regional District of East Kootenay and the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District. Involved in funding for Cranbrook’s MRI, the FW Green Home build, and the Regional Hospital expansion of Oncology and Renal Care.
MLA for Kootenay East
Elected MLA for Kootenay East in 2017 and 2020. Served in provincial roles related to energy, mines, low carbon innovation, caucus leadership, and the Deputy Chair for BC’s “Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services”.
Why Tom
The Right Experience for Right Now
Business Understanding
Local prosperity is built by the people who invest here, hire here, and serve here. As a true entrepreneur and business owner, Tom will bring a stronger business lens to City Hall.
Government Relationships
Tom knows how municipal, regional, provincial and federal systems connect — and who to talk to. That matters when Cranbrook is competing for funding, infrastructure, housing, and services.
Practical Decision-Making
Pragmatic, direct, and willing to make hard calls. The focus is not ideology — it is what works. Tom will engage councillors so every voice contributes to progressive, confident decisions.
Respect for Partners
Tom has worked with non-profits, service organizations, volunteers, and local leaders. City Hall does not solve every problem alone — often, less government & guiding the process is the recipe for success.
Accountability to Residents
Residents deserve clear information, clear priorities, and visible results. In the first 100 days, Tom will initiate a corporate audit to identify which departments are efficient and which need help.
How Tom Leads
Practical. Responsible. Connected.
Leadership starts with listening, but it cannot end there. Cranbrook needs a mayor who can hear concerns, bring people together, make decisions, and follow through.
- Be straight with residents.
- Respect taxpayers.
- Support local business.
- Work with the council as a team.
- Build strong relationships with community partners.
- Push senior governments for practical support.
- Measure progress and report it clearly.
“I believe Cranbrook’s best days are ahead, but we need to be honest about the work in front of us and practical about how we get it done.”
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