Two candidates enter Fort St. John mayoral race

Fort St. John’s municipal election is taking shape with two candidates now in the race for mayor. Councillor Trevor Bolin announced he will challenge incumbent Mayor Lilia Hansen, who is seeking reelection. Bolin, who has served on council since 2008, said he wants to take on a larger role in advocating for the city, including at the provincial and federal levels. Hansen, first elected mayor in 2022 after two terms on council, said she wants to continue the progress made during her first term. One of the key issues expected to shape the campaign is a proposed new aquatics centre. Voters will decide in a referendum whether the city should borrow up to $90 million toward a project estimated to cost as much as $185 million. Both candidates also pointed to broader concerns facing the city, including health care, housing for seniors, crime prevention, and recent shootings that have raised safety concerns. The municipal election is scheduled for Oct. 17.