DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - Election season is officially underway across Northeast B.C. with candidate nominations now closed for the 2026 local government elections.
Residents across the Peace Region will head to the polls on October 17 to elect mayors, councilors, regional district directors and school trustees.
According to CivicInfo BC, candidate withdrawals remain possible until September 18, meaning some races could still change before ballots are finalized.
Several Northeast B.C. communities are set for competitive races as voters decide who will guide local governments through issues including infrastructure, housing, economic development, recreation and public services.
Fort St. John mayoral contest pits incumbent against challenger
In Fort St. John, incumbent mayor Lilia Hansen will face Councillor Trevor Bolin in the region’s highest-profile race. Eleven candidates are seeking six council positions.
Council
- Avery Cox
- Jane Drew
- Ovvian Hill
- Gord Klassen (incumbent)
- Steve Labossiere
- John Lambert
- Jim Lequiere (incumbent)
- Sarah MacDougall (incumbent)
- Kevin Stigneres
- Lucas Wuthrich
- Tony Zabinsky (incumbent)
Fort St. John voters will also decide whether to support borrowing up to $90 million for construction of a new aquatic facility and indoor field house.
Dawson Creek mayoral race features two candidates
Voters in Dawson Creek will choose between two mayoral candidates this year. Dwain Dilworth and Kyle MacDonald are seeking the city’s top elected position. Six council seats are also up for election.
Council
- Gregg Apolonio (incumbent)
- Rob Atkinson
- Colleen Bice
- Angela Healey
- Amy Kaempf (incumbent)
- Judy Kucharuk
- Steven Reynolds
- Monica Rogers
- Juanita Shields
- Barb Slowinski
- Mike Sudnik (incumbent)
- Karen Tom
- Raistlin Van Spronsen
Rural voters to choose Peace River Regional District directors
Residents in rural electoral areas will also elect directors to the Peace River Regional District board. Four director positions are being contested.
Electoral Area B
- Reid Graham (incumbent)
Electoral Area C
- Brad Sperling (incumbent)
Electoral Area D
- Orval Harris
- Leonard Hiebert (incumbent)
Electoral Area E
- Richard Nicholls
Several referendum questions related to water services and community infrastructure projects are also expected to appear on ballots in some regional district electoral areas.
Chetwynd
Incumbent mayor Allan Courtoreille is the lone candidate seeking the mayor’s chair. Five candidates are running for council.
Council
- Mel Deck (incumbent)
- Kiefer Kroeker
- Kayla MacDonald (incumbent)
- Julia Nelson (incumbent)
- Andrea Smith (incumbent)
Hudson’s Hope
Voters in Hudson’s Hope will choose between two mayoral candidates. Incumbent Travous Quibell will face challenger Luke Zandbergen. Nine candidates are seeking council positions.
Council
- Debbie Beattie (incumbent)
- Rob Douglas
- Greta Goddard (incumbent)
- Tina Jeffrey (incumbent)
- John Paul McCarthy
- Victoria Mee
- Ben Romine
- Kimberley Stacey
- Tashana Winnicky (incumbent)
Pouce Coupe
Three candidates are seeking the mayor’s chair in Pouce Coupe. Incumbent Danielle Veach will face former mayor Lorraine Michetti and Frank Ripley. Seven candidates are running for council.
Council
- Brianna Carriere
- Ray Johnston (incumbent)
- Kurtis Rabel (incumbent)
- Chad Spencer
- James Wall (incumbent)
- Tracey Winland
- Marcel Woodil (imcumbent)
Tumbler Ridge Mayor acclaimed
Incumbent Darryl Krakowka has been acclaimed as mayor of Tumbler Ridge. Eight candidates are seeking council positions.
Council
- Rick Consalvi
- Sydney Doonan
- Ron Hofman (incumbent)
- Paul Landrecht
- Don McPherson
- Nicole Noksana (incumbent)
- Chris Norbury (incumbent)
- Shelley Quist
Fort Nelson Mayor acclaimed
In the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, incumbent Rob Fraser has also been acclaimed as mayor. Ten candidates are seeking council positions.
Council
- Melinda Belleau
- Bruce Deinstadt
- Kim Eglinski
- Brenda Enax (incumbent)
- Inan Kortchevich
- Wayne Kushnerek
- Ian Langstaff
- Danny Soles (incumbent)
- Nortm Thomson
- Andrea Warrent
- Douglas Whitehorne Sr.
School trustee elections also on the ballot
School trustee races are underway in three Northeast B.C. school districts. CivicInfo BC lists elections for Peace River South (SD59), Peace River North (SD60) and Fort Nelson (SD81).
School boards up for election
- Peace River South (SD59)
- Peace River North (SD60)
- Fort Nelson (SD81)
With municipal councils, regional district directors and school trustees all up for election, voters across Northeast B.C. will have several key decisions to make when ballots are cast on October 17.