The 2026 local election season is beginning to take shape across the Peace Region, with Dawson Creek, Taylor and Tumbler Ridge releasing notices ahead of the nomination period.
Residents interested in running for local office will have from 9 a.m. Sept. 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 11 to submit nomination papers.
In Dawson Creek, voters will elect a mayor, six councillors and two School District 59 trustees representing Area 3.
Taylor residents will choose a mayor, four councillors and one School District 60 trustee representing Area 4.
Tumbler Ridge voters will elect a mayor, six councillors and one School District 59 trustee representing Area 2.
Candidates must meet provincial eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old on general voting day, being a Canadian citizen and having been a B.C. resident for at least six months immediately before filing nomination papers.
They must also not be disqualified from holding office under the Local Government Act or another provincial law.
Nomination papers will be accepted by each community’s chief election officer at the respective municipal office.
Candidates will also be subject to campaign spending limits under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act.
In Dawson Creek, mayoral candidates can spend up to $16,803.47, while the limit is $8,401.74 for councillor candidates and $7,870.58 for school trustee candidates.
The third-party advertising limit is $924.28.
In Taylor and Tumbler Ridge, mayoral candidates can spend up to $12,323.78, while councillor and school trustee candidates are limited to $6,161.89.
The third-party advertising limit for each office in both communities is $924.28.
Hudson’s Hope is also preparing for voting, although its upcoming vote will focus on a proposed infrastructure project rather than municipal offices.
The district has issued a notice seeking applications from scrutineers for and against a proposed $10-million loan authorization for the Multi-use Gathering Centre.
Scrutineers can represent each side during voting and the counting process.
If enough eligible applications are received, the district plans to appoint one scrutineer supporting the borrowing and one opposing it.
Additional scrutineers will be appointed for the determination of official results and, if required, a judicial recount.
The 2026 general local election is scheduled for Oct. 17, with advance voting set for Oct. 7 and Oct. 14.
Residents across the region will have the opportunity to cast ballots as communities choose their local representatives and, in Hudson’s Hope, decide whether to authorize borrowing for the proposed gathering centre.
