Elections and Voting

2026 General Local Election

Results

The 2026 General Local Election concluded on October 17, 2026. The Peace River Regional District finalized the election results on October 20, 2026, as follows:

Electoral Area B Election 

Candidate  Votes
Graham, Reid Acclaimed

Electoral Area C Election 

Candidate  Votes
Sperling, Bradley Acclaimed

Electoral Area D Election

Candidate  Votes
Harris, Orval 138
Hiebert, Leonard 265 - Elected
Voter Turnout:10.4%

Electoral Area E Election

Candidate  Votes
Ethier, Maureen 123 - Elected
Nelson, Julia 36
Nicholls, Richard 79
Young, Jason 6
Voter Turnout:11.5%

Electoral Area B Assent Votes

Service Function  Yes No Passed
Golata Creek Community Space 5 22 No
Osborn Community Space 17 1 Yes
Voter Turnout: Golata Community Space 7.3%, Osborn Community Space 26.5%

Electoral Area C Assent Vote 

Service Function  Yes No Passed
Area C Water Service  89 82 Yes
Voter Turnout:3.6%

Electoral Area D Assent Vote

Service Function  Yes No Passed
Area D Water Service  250 148 Yes
Voter Turnout: 10.3%

Electoral Area E Assent Votes 

Service Function  Yes No Passed
Area E Water Service   112 121 No
Jackfish Lake Community Space 27 15 Yes
Voter Turnout: Area E Water Service 10.9%, Jackfish Lake Community Space 10.4%

Thank you to everyone who took the time to Get Out and Vote!


Public Notices

The Regional District is required to post several legislated notices throughout the general local election process. You can view those notices here:

Chief Election Officer

The PRRD appoints a Chief Election Officer, who oversees all local elections administration activities including:

  • Receiving nomination documents and declaring candidates
  • Administering voting opportunities
  • Counting ballots
  • Declaring election results
  • Working with Elections BC to monitor compliance with election advertising regulations

Voting for New Services

Regional districts administer voting opportunities for proposed new services. They are responsible for establishing new services and determining how they will be funded through taxation. When a new service is proposed, the regional district must follow a specific process.

The regional district creates a bylaw that outlines the purpose of the service, the service area boundary and the maximum amount that may be collection/requisitioned through taxation for that service.

The service establishment bylaw must receive approval from:

  • The province's Inspector of Municipalities

  • Member municipalities and electoral areas that intend to participate in the proposed service

Generally, an elector approval process is required from residents in the service area boundary. This may involve public consultation to inform residents about the proposed service before seeking their approval through:

  • A referendum

  • An alternative approval process

The regional district determines which areas will benefit from and pay for the proposed new service. This can range from region-wide services to very localized services.

If the referendum passes (more than 50 percent voting in favour of the proposed new service) the regional district board votes on the implementation of the new service. Each member of the board gets one vote to approve the bylaw that establishes the service. 

Once the bylaw is approved, the taxation and the new service will be implemented.

Assent Voting (Referendum)

Assent voting, commonly referred to as a referendum, is a way for a regional district to ask voters if they agree with a proposed new service. As a voter, you get to decide whether the proposed new service should move forward or not. If more than half (50 percent) of the votes are in favour, the proposed service is considered approved. This type of voting works like regular local elections and can happen at the same time as a general election, a by-election or as a separate vote on its own.

Alternative Approval Process

The Alternative Approval Process (AAP) is a way for local governments to check if enough people oppose starting a new service without providing a voting opportunity. If 10 percent or more of eligible voters sign and submit forms saying they are against the proposed service until a full voting opportunity is held, the local government must then get voter approval through assent voting to proceed. This means the issue is seen as significant, and the local government can hold a vote within 80 days, pause and consider other options or abandon the proposed service.

Contact Us

250-784-3200
elections@prrd.bc.ca

Chief Election Officer
Tyra Henderson

Deputy Election Officer
Michael McLean

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