Image: Bon Graham / Bon Graham, pictured in the unparalleled beauty of Hope, B.C., is one of four candidates in the upcoming District of Hope by-election.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

District of Hope

Professional artist and marketer with deep roots in Hope seeks council seat

Mar 31, 2025 | 9:18 AM

HOPE — A professional artist with 20 years of experience in marketing and commercial graphic design hopes to win a seat on Hope council in the upcoming by-election.

Bonny Graham, whose art appears on the downtown and highway District of Hope banners as well as the newly installed welcome signs (“Ey kwese e’mi”) on the highway and suburb entrance ways, is one of four candidates who have filed to run in the by-election, with voting day set for Saturday, April 26.

Graham says being born and raised in Hope ushers in community connections spanning generations and years of insight into what makes Hope such a desirable place to live, raise a family, seek adventure and retire.

“I have such an appreciation for our surroundings: majestic mountains, crystal clear rivers, lakes, trails and pathways to enjoy and place high importance on the protection and preservation for generations to come,” Graham said.

Bon began her tourism path working at the Hope Tourist Centre in the 1980s and continues her passion for community dedication and prioritizing the area’s natural beauty. She maintains that commitment as a tourism and cultural experience coordinator with Stó:lō Tourism.

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Graham was featured on CBC’s Still Standing for Indigenous tours and her art, and was most recently recognized for her phoenix design, custom created for the Hope Fire Departments 25th anniversary coin. In short, Graham loves her community in so many ways and wants to see it thrive and prosper.

“I believe we need to support our town and invest locally – in our youth, businesses, outdoors, sports groups and any aspect of what makes our town create opportunities to thrive,” Graham said. “Recognize and support the importance of our seniors facilities, access to programs, warming and cooling centres, safety, housing and community connections; as well as our most important resources and access to First Responders, Search and Rescue, Fire Department, Police and Hospital.”

Graham says she recognize the town’s social challenges and if elected, will work to hear Hope’s concerns and support viable long-range solutions.

“I recognize and support our generous hearts we share as a community and the united ongoing efforts and particularly in times of crisis,” Graham said.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Graham is deeply involved in the life of Hope. She’s a member of the Hope & District Arts Council which oversees the Art Gallery, along with Studios and Concerts in the Park. She is a Legion and Hope Garden Club member and a past Eagles board conductor. She also participates as a member of the District of Hope Accessibility Committee, overseeing the recognition of our towns mobility challenges and seeking solutions from bench placement to sidewalk access and improvements.

“I’m the wife of a local chef, mom of three and still reside in my family home,” Graham said. “I value what it means to be Hope local, our Brigade Days, Carving Competition, Concerts in the Park and valued community events that bring us together. I’ve been cheering on this town since the days of 70’s Mustangs basketball run and that home town heart is loyal and strong.”

At the same time, Graham isn’t taking any vote for granted.

“I’ve learned to appreciate that every vote counts, through the experience of the previous by-election, coming up short by eight votes, so will encourage everyone in Hope to get out and vote on Saturday, April 26,” said Graham, who noted that day is also Earth Day. “It’s very fitting for a town that is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I ask for your support, and a seat on our council, to keep it that way.”

People who wish to follow Graham’s campaign may find her on Facebook under Bonny Graham for Hope Council.