B.C. Conservative supporters will choose their candidate in Kamloops-South Thompson on Feb. 21, 7 p.m., at the Old Yacht Club, 1140 River St.

Former City councillor Peter Sharp and Maria Dobi, who ran under the Conservative banner in the 2009 provincial election, are contesting the nomination. As well, one or two candidates are expected to step forward within the next week for Kamloops-North Thompson, said Alan Forseth, the party’s regional director for Kamloops-Thompson-Fraser-Nicola.

The party intends to field a candidate in every one of 85 ridings with the exception of Delta South, where it has agreed not to challenge independent incumbent Vicki Huntington. Huntington defeated Liberal Wally Oppal by 32 votes in 2009.

With 18 nominations to date, the new party has a lot of ground to cover in short order. “They should all be rolled out within the next three weeks,” Forseth said.