Editor’s Note: This article has been edited to include information about confirmed nominees.

Applications are now open for candidates running in the municipal election this October. Five positions are open, one mayor and four councillors, for a term of four years. Nomination packages are available for download and can be picked up at the municipal office at 106-3270 Village Wy. from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Nomination packages must be submitted before 4 p.m. on Sept. 11. 

“Dropping off nomination forms in person is preferred, as this will include a review of all documents to ensure they are filled out correctly to mitigate any potential delays in processing the nomination application,” the municipality’s website states.

To make an appointment, contact chief election officer Donna Monteith by phone at 250-578-2020, or via email at elections@sunpeaksmunicipality.ca.

Who is running in the 2026 general election? 

The following candidates have submitted nomination packages. This article will be updated as more names become available. This list is not official until the declaration of candidates is made by the chief election officer. 

Mayoral candidates:

Jason White is running for mayor for the first time. White was nominated by Nancy Greene Raine and Melissa Mckenzie.

Council candidates:

Elizabeth Wilkinson is running for council for the first time. Wilkinson was nominated by Nancy Greene Raine and Coun. Julie Kimmel.

David Burnham is running for council for the second time. He previously ran for a council seat in the 2024 by-election. Burnham was nominated by Nancy Greene Raine and Quinn Rischhmueller.

Kelly Dye is running for council. Dye was first elected to council in 2022. Dye was nominated by Kirby Douglas Robillard and Sahir Dillon Khan.

Brian Gillespie is running for council. Gillespie was first elected to council in the 2024 by-election. Gillespie was nominated by Connor Birmingham and Rina Jeyakumar.

Robert O’Toole is running for council. O’Toole was first elected to council in 2018 and was elected mayor in the 2024 by-election. O’Toole was nominated by Darren Nadorozny and Jennifer Nadorozny.

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. Candidates must not be disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election in British Columbia or from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office.

Each candidate must be nominated by two eligible voters.

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

“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,” municipal chief administrative officer Deanna Campbell said during a candidate information session July 14. “There are principles that elected officials are expected to uphold: integrity, being honest and ethical, accountability [and] accepting responsibility…”

To learn more about nominations, see the official notice of nomination here.

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. To learn more about running in the election in Sun Peaks, watch the video below.

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article stated this was the first election David Burnham has run in, and has been corrected to reflect that he ran in the 2024 by-election for a seat on council. This article was also corrected to reflect that Mayor Rob O’Toole has been on council since 2018.