2026 Municipal Election
Your Community. Your Voice. Your Vote.
Local government decisions have a direct impact on our businesses, neighbourhoods and day-to-day lives. From infrastructure and development to taxation, recreation, public safety and long-term community planning, the people we elect locally help shape the future of Salmon Arm.
The Salmon Arm & District Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping residents and businesses access information, connect with candidates and make an informed decision at the ballot box.
As a non-partisan organization, the Chamber does not endorse or support individual candidates or political parties. Our role is to create opportunities for dialogue, share reliable election information and encourage participation in the democratic process.
Community Election Open House
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
5:30–8:00 PM
Salmon Arm Recreation Centre
Free to attend | No registration required
This election, we're doing things a little differently.
Rather than hosting a traditional All Candidates Forum, the Salmon Arm & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Community Election Open House.
Candidates for Mayor, City Council and School District Trustee will each have their own table, giving residents the opportunity to move throughout the room, meet candidates directly and ask the questions that matter most to them.
There will be no formal debate, moderated question period or pre-selected questions from the Chamber.
Instead, you decide who you want to speak with and what you want to ask.
Whether you arrive with a list of questions or simply want to meet the people asking for your vote, everyone is welcome.
Your questions. Your conversations. Your vote.
Questions for Candidates?
What issues matter most to you?
We encourage residents to think about the questions they would like to ask before attending the Community Election Open House.
For our local business community, those conversations might include economic development, taxation, housing, infrastructure, transportation, downtown development, public safety, workforce challenges, procurement, tourism or how Salmon Arm plans for future growth.
But this event isn't limited to business issues.
This is your opportunity to ask about the issues that matter to you, your family, your business and your community.
Meet the Candidates
The Chamber will provide equal opportunity for candidates to participate in the Community Election Open House and will not rank, evaluate or endorse candidates. Please visit the City of Salmon Arm Website for contact information for each candidate - https://www.salmonarm.ca/526/General-Local-Election
Mayoral Candidates - 1 Mayoral Seat is available. Please note that this is the order on the city's website and is not in any particular order.
Alan Harrison (Incumbent)
Daniel Bardy
City Council Candidates - 6 City Council Seats are available. Please note that this is the order on the city's website and is not in any particular order.
Louise Wallace Richmond (Incumbent)
Morgan Turland
Kari Toliver Wilkinson
Jo McDermott
Anthony McLean
Ian Gray
Shelley Desautels
Scott Syme
Marianne VanBuskirk
Adam Meikle
Robin Wiens
Debbie Cannon (Incumbent)
Vic Hamilton
River Grabowsky
Owen Madden
David Gonella (Incumbent)
Aaron Canart
Drayson Netzelwood
School District Candidates - 2 School Trustee Seats are available. Please note that this is the order on the city's website and is not in any particular order.
Linda Martens
Tracy Riley
Claire Askew
Melissa Parmenter
When and Where to Vote
Salmon Arm voters will have two opportunities to vote in advance, as well as General Voting Day on Saturday, October 17.
Advance Voting
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 5 Avenue Seniors Activity Centre
170 5 Avenue SE, Salmon Arm
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 5 Avenue Seniors Activity Centre
170 5 Avenue SE, Salmon Arm
General Voting Day
Saturday, October 17, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Voters can cast their ballot at one of the following locations:
📍5 Avenue Seniors Activity Centre
📍170 5 Avenue SE, Salmon Arm**
📍Little Mountain Fieldhouse**
📍250 30 Street SE, Salmon Arm
📍North Canoe Elementary School**
📍6451 50 Street NE, Salmon Arm
**Please note: The City has identified these as new voting locations for the 2026 election.
Who Can Vote?
You may be eligible to vote in the Salmon Arm municipal election if you:
📍Are 18 years of age or older when you register;
📍Are a Canadian citizen;
📍Have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months immediately before registering;
📍Are a resident of Salmon Arm at the time you register or have been a registered owner of real property in Salmon Arm for at least 30 days immediately before registering; and
📍Are not disqualified from voting under the Local Government Act or other applicable legislation.
Non-Resident Property Electors
If you own property in Salmon Arm but do not live within the municipality, additional requirements apply.
Non-resident property electors must provide proof of property ownership and, where applicable, a signed consent form from the majority of the property's registered owners authorizing one person to register as the non-resident property elector.
Visit the City of Salmon Arm's election page for the required forms and complete eligibility requirements.
Registering to Vote
Eligible voters can register at a voting location when attending either an Advance Voting opportunity or on General Voting Day.
Mail-in voting is also available. Information and the application form can be found through the City of Salmon Arm.
What ID Do I Need?
When you vote, you will need to provide two pieces of identification that establish your identity and place of residence. At least one must include your signature.
📍Examples of acceptable identification include:
📍BC Driver's Licence
📍BC Services Card
📍BC Identification Card
📍Citizenship Card
📍Property Tax Notice
📍Credit or debit card
📍Social Insurance Number documentation
📍Vehicle insurance papers
📍Utility bill
📍Citizenship or membership card issued by a First Nation
📍Citizenship identification issued by a Métis Nation in B.C.
An easy combination: The City's election information recommends a BC Driver's Licence and a credit or debit card as a straightforward combination to bring with you.
Get the Official Election Information
The information above has been provided as a convenient overview for voters. Election requirements and information are administered by the City of Salmon Arm, and voters are encouraged to check the City's official election information before voting for the most current details regarding eligibility, identification, mail ballots and voting locations.
Make a plan to vote — Wednesday, October 7, Tuesday, October 13 or Saturday, October 17.
The Chamber's Role
The Salmon Arm & District Chamber of Commerce is a non-partisan organization representing and supporting the local business community.
During elections, our role is not to tell residents who to vote for. Instead, we work to provide opportunities for candidates and community members to connect, encourage discussion about issues affecting our community and help voters access reliable information.
We encourage everyone who is eligible to vote to learn about the candidates, ask questions and participate in the 2026 municipal election.
Get informed. Get involved. And most importantly — vote.
Build Your Business in Salmon Arm
The Salmon Arm & District Chamber of Commerce is looking for entrepreneurs, non-profits, and community leaders to join us.