DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - Dwaine Dilworth says improving communication, securing Dawson Creek’s water supply and addressing community safety will be among his priorities after voters elected him the city’s next mayor.
Dilworth defeated former city councillor Kyle MacDonald in Saturday’s civic election, receiving 1,422 votes to MacDonald’s 897. That gave Dilworth roughly 61 per cent of the votes cast between the two mayoral candidates.
Speaking with CJDC-TV following the election, Dilworth said the result brought a sense of relief after a long campaign.
“I was a bundle of nerves throughout, trying to stay calm. And just, it was relief when that call came letting me know that I had been elected.”
Dilworth will succeed Darcy Dober, who did not run for a second term as mayor. Kyle MacDonald had served as a Dawson Creek city councillor since 2022 before making his run for the mayor’s chair.
Communication a priority for Dilworth
Dwaine Dilworth told CJDC-TV he wants residents to have an open line of communication with the new mayor and city hall.
“Communication, it’s huge to me. My office will always be open. I don’t know everything. I will never pretend I know everything, but with communication amongst citizens, myself, administration, I think we could come up with some great ideas.”
When asked about some of the most pressing issues facing the community, Dilworth pointed to water and public safety.
“Some of the biggest issues I see, of course, water. Water is a necessity. And community safety, accountability on all levels. And just working together to make this place as great as we can.”
Mayoral results
| Candidate | Votes | Vote share |
|---|---|---|
| Dwaine Dilworth | 1,422 | 61.3% |
| Kyle MacDonald | 897 | 38.7% |
Water project will require outside help, Dilworth says
One of the major files waiting for the incoming mayor and council is Dawson Creek’s long-term water supply.
Dilworth told CJDC-TV he does not believe the city can tackle the issue alone.
Dilworth said the city needs a clearer picture of the ongoing operating expenses associated with a future water project, not only the cost of construction.
“We know somewhat of the cost to put the pipe in the ground, but the pipe in the ground is a one-time thing. The operational cost is an annual thing. We really need to know that.”
He said moving a project forward will require several parties to work together.
“The only way we’re going to be able to make it happen is to get some government involvement, oil field involvement, Dawson Creek involvement, and work together to get it done.”
Six councillors elected
The election will also bring both returning and new faces to council.
Incumbent Mike Sudnik led the council race with 1,263 votes.
Rob Atkinson followed with 1,154, while incumbent Amy Kaempf received 1,107.
Steven Reynolds, Judy Kucharuk and incumbent Gregg Apolonio captured the remaining three seats.
Council results
| Candidate | Votes | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Sudnik | 1,263 | Elected |
| Rob Atkinson | 1,154 | Elected |
| Amy Kaempf | 1,107 | Elected |
| Steven Reynolds | 1,079 | Elected |
| Judy Kucharuk | 1,076 | Elected |
| Gregg Apolonio | 1,038 | Elected |
| Angela Healey | 824 | |
| Monica Rogers | 798 | |
| Karen Tom | 725 | |
| Juanita Shields | 658 | |
| Raistlin Van Spronsen | 481 | |
| Colleen Bice | 429 | |
| Barb Slowinski | 406 |
For Dilworth, the election win now shifts the focus from campaigning to governing. In his message to Dawson Creek voters, he thanked residents for putting their confidence in him.
“Thank you for having your trust and faith in me. Anyone that knows me knows I like to work hard, go hard, and I am prepared to do that with the citizens of Dawson Creek behind me, helping me with ideas and just get it going where it needs to be.”