British Columbia municipalities prepare for October 2026 elections

Various British Columbia municipalities are preparing for upcoming civic elections scheduled for October 17, 2026. Candidates across several regions, including Rossland, Peachland, Kent, Midway, Telkwa, Kimberley, Quesnel, Surrey, Kelowna, and Cache Creek, have begun outlining their platforms and priorities.

Key issues being addressed by candidates include housing affordability, infrastructure management, economic diversification, and public safety. In Surrey, mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk has emphasized combating extortion and lowering transit costs, while Kelowna candidate Maxine DeHart is focusing on crime enforcement and economic investment. In Midway, Martin Fromme is advocating for changes to provincial forestry policy to support the local mill.

In provincial news, Tara Armstrong has announced she will not seek re-election as the MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream. Local commentary has criticized her tenure, citing a previous recall campaign and tensions with constituents.

In community news, the Ladysmith Country Grocer received the 2026 Diversity Award for Leadership in Inclusion from the WorkBC Centre Cowichan Valley. Additionally, the Creston Valley Public Library has successfully reached 60 percent of its $100,000 fundraising goal, allowing it to resume Friday service hours.