Nomination Period for Local Government Starts August 30
By Jo Anne Malpass
Local government elections in British Columbia, including in municipalities, school districts and for two South Shuswap directors of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD), are on Saturday, October 15.
The nomination period for candidates is August 30 to September 9. The campaign period is September 17 to October 15 with declaration of official election results on October 19.
Are you interested in serving your community and guiding education by being a school board trustee? Trustees on a board of education work together to govern the school district and set direction on behalf of the community. The North Shuswap, South Shuswap, and Sorrento/Blind Bay make up Electoral Area 3 of School District 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap). Information for prospective trustees is available on the SD83 website, including a Recording of Information Session for Prospective Trustees and nomination forms.
This election will mark the addition of a new Electoral Area in the CSRD, the result of splitting Electoral Area C into two separate areas. Current Area C Director Paul Demenok has announced he will not be seeking re-election so both Areas will be looking for a new director.
The new Electoral Area G includes Sorrento, Blind Bay and Notch Hill. Area C includes Sunnybrae, Tappen, Skimikin, White Lake, and Eagle Bay. The CSRD has created interactive mapping on its Elections 2022 webpage, which allows residents to type in their address to confirm which Electoral Area they will be voting in.
If you are considering running to be a CSRD Director, the CSRD website has information about what being an elected official entails.
As an elected official you will be entrusted with making decisions that directly affect the daily lives of residents, families, local business owners and many others in the community. It is important to think about how you can best serve your community if elected.
Things to consider: Why do I want to be an elected official? How will I best contribute to my community? What are my objectives for holding office and do they reflect the needs of my community?
An effective local government requires dedicated, ethical and informed leaders who are committed to their communities. Perhaps you want to become an elected official so you can: be actively involved in the local democratic process, contribute your experience and knowledge to your community, address various issues in your area and/or lead change in your community.
Some ways for potential candidates to prepare for elected office include look at the CSRD’s key planning documents and reports, attend CSRD’s board meetings, review the CSRD’s website to understand its key priorities and initiatives and attend neighbourhood community meetings to get to know key groups in your community such as the Chamber of Commerce, service groups, or social agencies.
Important information for candidates, including campaign financing and advertising rules and, once the nomination period opens, nomination papers, can be found on the Elections 2022 page of the CSRD website. There is no nomination fee.
