Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen is asking residents for another four years at city hall, announcing her campaign for re-election Tuesday.
Hansen, who was first elected mayor in 2022 after serving two terms as a city councillor, said she wants to build on the work completed during her first term while tackling the challenges ahead.
“Fort St. John is my home. It’s where I’ve built my career, raised my family, volunteered and had the incredible privilege of serving as Mayor,” said Hansen.
“Four years ago, residents placed their trust in me to lead our community. I’m asking for the opportunity to continue that work.”
Hansen said her campaign will centre on experienced leadership, responsible decision-making and working with residents and community partners.
She said experience and relationships are particularly important when the city is faced with difficult decisions, while listening to residents remains a key part of her approach.
“I believe experience matters when decisions are difficult. Relationships matter when we need partners at the table. And listening matters because the best decisions start by understanding the people they affect,” Hansen said.
Economic development is also expected to be a major part of Hansen’s campaign.
She said attracting families, professionals, businesses and investment requires more than creating jobs, pointing to housing, recreation, safety, health care, infrastructure and quality of life as factors in whether people choose to stay in a community.
“People choose where they want to raise a family, build a business, put down roots and belong,” Hansen said.
“That means continuing to build a Fort St. John where families thrive, businesses succeed, young people see a future, seniors feel valued, and people feel safe and welcome.”
Hansen said responsible spending and protecting affordability will also remain priorities if she is re-elected.
Her campaign platform will touch on community safety, housing, affordability, health-care advocacy, economic development, infrastructure, recreation and quality of life.
Hansen said she plans to spend the campaign speaking with residents about what is working in the city and where they believe improvements are needed.
“Most importantly, I’ll be listening,” Hansen said.
“I want to hear what residents believe is working, what isn’t, and the kind of Fort St. John they want us to continue building together.”
Hansen’s campaign message is “Proud of our progress. Ready for what’s next” and “Listening. Leading. Building Together.”
She has lived in Fort St. John for 50 years and has been involved with local business, economic development and community organizations.
The 2026 municipal election is scheduled for Oct. 17, with nominations running till Sept. 11.
