Since Feb. 18, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) has been accepting nominations for the offices of mayor and councillor for a 19-month term, to be voted on during a by-election this spring.
Currently only previous councillor Rob O’Toole has announced his decision to run for the mayoral spot and is officially in the running. One nominee is listed online for councillor, local homeowner Dave Burnham. Three other potential councillor candidates have scheduled meetings with chief election officer Nicky Jonsson, with two noting they are running.
As submissions are made, they will be posted online where you can find additional information on the by-election. This information is posted on the municipal website as well as on Elections B.C.
Running in the Sun Peaks by-election
Nomination documents are available at the Sun Peaks municipal office at 106- 3270 Village Way from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday or online, with submissions open until Feb. 28 at 4 p.m.
When dropping off nomination packages, prospective candidates are asked to book an appointment with Jonsson, who is available for contact regarding other election related questions at admin@sunpeaksmunicipality.ca.
Qualifications to run for office are the same whether running for mayor or the councillor position.
One must be a Canadian citizen, 18 years of age or older, a resident of B.C. for at least six months, not disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election in B.C. or from being nominated for, being elected to or holding office and nominated by two eligible electors.
“If you can vote in BC, you can pretty much run in the election,” Jonsson explained, adding that you don’t need to be a property owner or a resident of Sun Peaks.
Public information and processes
O’Toole resigned his seat on council and stepped down from the TNRD board and the Regional Hospital board in order to run for mayor. Holding two offices at the same time isn’t a possibility, so these were required steps in the process.
If he runs unopposed he’ll be in by acclamation.
On March 10, Jonsson will be sending out a statement of the notice of election, giving information on how, when and who can vote.
If you’re eligible to vote, you can attend advanced voting on March 26 by stopping by the municipal office, join general voting on April 5 at the Sun Peaks centre or mail in your ballot.
Both voting days run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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