Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality held a candidate information session July 14, providing details for those interested in running for office in the general election Oct. 17.

Chief administrative officer Deanna Campbell was joined by chief election officer Donna Monteith and deputy chief election officer Jenel Melnyk to provide a high-level overview of requirements, duties and responsibilities. Campbell encouraged those interested to contact Monteith and Melnyk with any questions or concerns. 

The email contact for all elections inquiries is elections@sunpeaksmunicipality.ca.

Who can run for office? 

In order to run for office, candidates must be 18 years of age, a B.C. resident and Canadian citizen. 

Each candidate must be nominated by two eligible voters. Nomination packages will be available on Aug. 4 and can be submitted to the chief election officer between 9 a.m. on Sept. 1 and Sept. 11. 

The chief election officer will officially declare candidates on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m., Campbell said.

“While there’s no mandatory criteria beyond the eligibility requirements, elected officials have a very public and visible role and a great deal of responsibility,” she added. “There are principles that elected officials are expected to uphold: integrity, being honest and ethical, accountability [and] accepting responsibility…”

Elections BC is responsible for advertising rules, campaign financing rules, party registration and third-party advertising sponsor registration. It will be hosting an information session for local candidates on financing and advertising on Thursday, July 30 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

What is the role of a councillor or mayor?

Municipalities are given their powers by the provincial government to provide local services and manage local infrastructure such as utilities, roads, fire protection and more. 

The mayor and council set direction and priorities, make decisions on bylaws, policies and budgets with the support of municipal staff who give advice, guidance and carry out council decision.

Councillors are required to participate in meetings, attend community events, participate in external boards or committees and attend conferences. The time commitment is roughly 24 meetings per year, three to five committees of the whole meetings. Work outside of these events include reviewing documents and agenda items and preparing for meetings. 

This work is compensated at $25,000 for mayor and $10,000 for councillors. 

Who can vote?  

If you live within Sun Peaks’ municipal boundaries, you are a resident elector. To qualify you must be 18 years of age or older on general voting day, be a Canadian citizen and resident of British Columbia for at least six months and be a resident of Sun Peaks.

Non-resident property owners who are residents of British Columbia and meet the other requirements are eligible to vote. 

“As an example, someone who lives in Ontario and owns property in Sun Peaks is not eligible to vote,” Campbell explained. 

Electors must have two pieces of identification to prove both residency and identity, and at least one piece must provide a signature.

These include a BC Driver’s Licence, BC Services Card, a document issued by the government of Canada that certifies registration under the Indian Act, a citizenship card issued by Métis Nation British Columbia, vehicle insurance papers, Social Insurance Number, property tax notice, credit card or debit card or utility bill.

Non-resident property electors must have two pieces of identification as well as proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property. If there is more than one owner of the property, written consent from a majority of the registered owners is required stating that the elector is an owner of the property, and is the non-resident elector for the property. 

How can I vote? 

The municipality will hold two early voting opportunities on Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., location to be announced, and Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m at the Sun Peaks Centre.

General voting day is Saturday, Oct. 17 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sun Peaks Centre.

A person wishing to vote by mail ballot should provide their name and address to the chief election officer between Wednesday, Sept. 30 and 4 p.m. on Oct. 15. 

To learn more about voting in the Sun Peaks general election, visit the municipality’s dedicated landing page.