Strong advance voting as municipal elections polls closed across province; races decide next local governments, CBC

Turnout draws attention

Officials had worried that voters might be confused by the overlap with the provincial campaign. Even so, many cities and municipalities reported increased or record participation at advance polls.

Fort St. John counted more than 2,100 votes on election day, in addition to more than 2,200 advance ballots. The total was likely a record, or at least the highest since 2000; turnout in 2022 was just under 18 per cent.

Local races and questions

Fort St. John voters chose between mayoral candidates Lilia Hansen, mayor since 2022, and Trevor Bolin, a city councillor since 2008. They also voted on a $90-million referendum to help pay for a new pool and recreation centre.

Contests across the province

In Prince George, mayoral candidates held election-night gatherings at a hotel ballroom, a museum and a Super 8 hotel. The contenders included two-time councillor Kyle Sampson, 18-year council veteran Garth Frizzell and incumbent Simon Yu.

In Kamloops, incumbent mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson hosted a watch party at a golf course. His supporters said they backed his bid for another term because they believed he was the only candidate who would audit the operation of local shelters.

Vancouver awaits results

Vancouver’s election could mark a first if Pete Fry wins: he would become the city’s first Green Party mayor. A victory would also mean the ruling party had been defeated for a third consecutive election.

Turnout remained uncertain, including whether it would exceed the 36 per cent recorded four years earlier. Across the province, the races offered a chance to see how voters responded to local issues such as crime, safety and development.