Squamish-Lillooet Regional District shares election resources

Pemberton, BC – The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is sharing resources for voters and candidates in advance of the 2026 general local election.

The next general local election will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The SLRD’s Election and Assent Voting Bylaw No. 1952-2026 was adopted at the April 22, 2026 SLRD Board meeting. Adoption of the election bylaw is the first formal step in advancing election planning for the 2026 general local election.

The SLRD is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors composed of four Electoral Area Directors (Areas A – D) and seven Municipal Directors: District of Lillooet (1), Village of Pemberton (1), Resort Municipality of Whistler (2) and District of Squamish (3).

In a general local election, an electoral area director may be elected by acclamation (in the case of a single qualified candidate) or by voting (where there is more than one qualified candidate). Each Municipal Director on the SLRD Board is appointed by their respective Council from their elected members.

Voters within the SLRD may also see candidate names for school board trustee on their election ballot during a general local election. Electoral Areas A and B of the SLRD are part of School District 74 while Electoral Areas C and D are part of School District 48.

To support voters and potential candidates, the SLRD has developed an information hub on its website: SLRD.bc.ca/general-local-elections with key dates, links to election legislation and bylaws and resources for voters and candidates. As additional information becomes available, it will be added to the website. Information will also be shared through the SLRD’s social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram.

“Local elections are an opportunity for residents to have a direct voice in the decisions that affect their communities. Whether you are planning to vote or considering becoming a candidate, there are resources available to help you participate with confidence. We encourage everyone to get involved in the upcoming general election,” said Angela Belsham, the SLRD’s General Manager of Corporate Services and Chief Elections Officer.

“Strong local election engagement is essential to a healthy democracy, and we recognize the process can sometimes feel complex. We encourage voters and prospective candidates to explore the available resources and connect with our Elections team if they have any questions,” she said.

Elections for the SLRD are administered by the Corporate Services department. For election related enquiries, please contact election@slrd.bc.ca or call 604-894-6371 ext. 0 during business hours.

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