Thinking of Running for Local Government? PRRD Co-Hosting Candidate Information Sessions

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT, BC – With the 2026 General Local Election approaching on October 17, 2026, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is partnering with the City of Fort St. John and the City of Dawson Creek to host two upcoming Candidate Information Sessions.

Anyone interested in running for local government or learning more about the roles and responsibilities of elected officials is encouraged to attend. These sessions are designed to help prospective candidates get informed, prepared and ready for the candidacy process.

Session Details

Prospective candidates can attend either of the following two-hour sessions:

Fort St. John Session

• When: Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
• Where: City Hall – Council Chambers, City of Fort St. John (10631 - 100 Street)

Dawson Creek Session

• When: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | 7pm – 9pm
• Where: Kiwanis Performing Arts Centre, Dawson Creek (10401 10 Street)

What to Expect

The information sessions will provide a comprehensive overview of the election process and the realities of serving in local government. Topics covered will include:

• Candidate eligibility requirements
• The nomination process
• Roles and responsibilities of elected officials
• Policies and bylaws
• Time commitments and financial compensation
• A dedicated Question and Answer period

Key Dates for Candidates

• July 31, 2026: Nomination packages become available through the Regional District
• September 1, 2026 (9am): Nomination period officially opens
• September 11, 2026 (4pm): Nomination period closes
• October 17, 2026: General Voting Day

Eligibility Criteria

To run for local office, a candidate must be nominated by at least two eligible voters from the area and officially declared a candidate by the Chief Election Officer. At minimum, a nominee must:

• Be 18 years of age or older on general voting day
• Be a Canadian citizen
• Have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months before filing nomination documents

Note on Disqualifications: Individuals are not eligible to run if they have been convicted of specific indictable offences, are currently in custody, have been found guilty of previous election offences, are a provincial or supreme court judge, or have failed to meet prior statutory requirements (such as filing campaign financial disclosures or taking the oath of office). Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to review all provincial eligibility requirements before submitting their documents.

More Information

For more resources, detailed eligibility criteria, and up-to-date information, please visit prrd.bc.ca/Candidates.

Election Contacts

Peace River Regional District (PRRD)

• Chief Election Officer: Tyra Henderson
• Deputy Chief Election Officer: Michael McLean

City of Dawson Creek

• Chief Election Officer: Tab Young
• Deputy Chief Election Officer: Janice Anderson

City of Fort St. John

• Chief Election Officer: Bonnie McCue
• Deputy Chief Election Officer: Christina Brace