About Local Government Awareness Week
Local Government Awareness Week is an initiative of the Union of BC Municipalities designed to generate awareness and educate the public about the roles and responsibilities of local government, and encourage public participation in local government processes. Throughout this week – May 13 to 17 – the District of Vanderhoof will explore the work of our own departments, some of the legislation we are bound by, and the role of Council and the election process.
As the week comes to an end, we will explore general local elections.
General Elections
General local elections (and by-elections) are the simplest way for residents to influence their local government, by determining the individuals who will serve on their local Council to make decisions and govern the municipality on their behalf.
A BC resident who is interested in running for their local office must meet some requirements to be nominated and hold office, if elected. Elected officials must conduct themselves highly as individuals, and collectively as part of a decision-making body, to ensure they are able to carry out their responsibilities to their community effectively.
Explore more information and resources relating to general elections from the Government of BC by clicking here. The next general elections will take place on October 17, 2026.
2022 Vanderhoof Election
Vanderhoof’s most recent general election was held in 2022, resulting in the appointment of Mayor Kevin Moutray, and Councillors Tom Bulmer, Brian Frenkel, Cyndi Lauze, Ernest Martens, David Van Dolah, and Ken Young.
1,597 Vanderhoof residents voted in the 2022 election, including 25 by mail-in ballots (the first time this was offered). Of those votes, 1,596 voted for Mayor Moutray. This voter turnout represented an estimated eligible voter turnout for the District of Vanderhoof of 49.8%, which was 20.6% higher than the provincial average municipal voter turnout of 29.2%.
The budget for the 2022 election was $15,000. Final election costs came in at $13,653.24, under budget by $1,803.92.
Thank you for keeping up with your municipal government this week and be sure to refer to the various resources offered by the Government of BC and Union of BC Municipalities if you would like to continue to learn about local government processes and procedures. To keep up with District of Vanderhoof Council proceedings, you may view meeting agendas and minutes, and reports and correspondence provided to Council, by clicking here.
