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PG VOTES PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

ISSUE 2 SEPTEMBER 2026

A SPECIAL LOOK AT THE CANDIDATES AHEAD OF THE OCTOBER MUNICIPAL ELECTION • MAYOR • COUNCIL • SCHOOL BOARD

YOUR

VOTE COUNTS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

PG VOTES 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Most candidates running to be Prince However, eight of nine incumbents for includes a roundup of some decisions George’s next mayor or on city council the 2022 to 2026 term are running either on important issues made by the have never been elected to public to return to their current position, current council. ipsum dolor sitadipiscing amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. eu Cras sit amet nunc augu Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Lorem Cras sitipsum amet dolor nuncLorem eu sit augue amet, ipsum consectetur dolor Lorem sit amet, adipiscing consectetur elit. Cras Lorem sit amet ipsum nunc elit. dolor Cras eusitaugue amet, sit amet consectetur nunc augue adipiscing elit. eu Cras sit office. orauctor for the mayor’s seat. This section auctor placerat euultrices. eu neque. Nunc tincidunt vestibulum ultrices.vestibulum Curabitur pretium auctor placerat eu eu neque. Nunc tincidunt vestibulum ultrices. placerat Curabitur eu auctor eu pretium neque. placerat Nunc eu tincidunt eu neque. vestibulum Nunc tincidunt auctor vestibulum placerat Curabitur euultrices. pretium eu neque. Curabitur Nunc tincidunt pretium ultrice

HOW THEY VOTED TED OW HOW THEY THEY VOTED HOW VOTED THEY VOTED How they voted: Snow Control 16,AUGUST 2025 6, 2025 AUGUST 16,AUGUST 2025 16,AUGUST 2025 16, 2025 PASSED ASSED PASSED PASSED

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ncillor yor Councillor Mayor Klassen n Yu Tim Ron Simon Bennett Polillo Yu

Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Counc Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Coun Simon Yu Tim Bennett Garth Frizzell Klassen RonSampson Polillo Cori Ramsay Susan Scott Brian Kyle Sampson Susan Scott Trudy Brian Skakun Garth Tim Cori Bennett Ramsay Frizzell Trudy Garth Simon Frizzell Klassen Yu Trudy Ron Tim Polillo Bennett Klassen Cori Garth Ron Ramsay Polillo Frizzell Kyle Cori Trudy Ramsay Klassen Kyle Susan Ron Sampson Polillo Scott Kyle Brian Susan CoriSampson Ramsay Skakun Scott Brian Kyle Sampson Skakun SusanS

The difficulty in setting a snow control budget for a city like Prince George is that you never know just how much of the white stuff is going to fall each year. If the budget is too low for the cost of snow removal, the additional costs have to be covered by borrowing from the city’s reserves. If it’s a warm winter with more rain than snowfall, you end up with a buudget surplus. The perfect way to handle snow control may never be found, but that didn’t stop city council from tinkering with the idea during the last term. Motion — budget deliberations 2025: Council reduces the snow control budget from the $11 million proposed by city administration to $10 million. Coun. Ron Polillo originally proposed a $500,000 decrease, but then Coun. Trudy Klassen put forward an amendment to increase the cut to the snow removal budget to $1 million, which passed. This is how council voted on the motion as amended. Estimated costs presented in early 2026 showed that the city ended up under the reduced budget by $600,000. Result: Passed 5 to 4 In favour: Simon Yu Garth Frizzell Tim Bennett Trudy Klassen Brian Skakun

Against: Kyle Sampson Ron Polillo Cori Ramsay Susan Scott

Motion — July 28, 2025: Council approves a one-year pilot project to reduce snow clearing service on Priority 3 routes during stat holidays. In response to council requesting potential ways to save on snow control costs, administration put forward three options. The one that council approved saw higher-priority roads maintain service levels on stat holidays while the lowestpriority saw a reduction in service. Result: Passed 7 to 2 In favour: Simon Yu Garth Frizzell Tim Bennett Trudy Klassen Ron Polillo Cori Ramsay Brian Skakun

Against: Susan Scott Kyle Sampson

Motion — 2026 budget deliberations: Council approves a reduction in administration’s proposed snow control budget from $11 million to $9.8 million. City staff proposed a return of the snow budget to $11 million. Polillo once again proposed a haircut to this budget category. Coun. Cori Ramsay put forward a motion to cut even more, which was approved. Result: Passed 8 to 1 In favour: Simon Yu Garth Frizzell Tim Bennett Trudy Klassen Cori Ramsay Brian Skakun Susan Scott Kyle Sampson

Against: Ron Polillo

HOW THEY VOTED HOW TEDHow HOW THEY THEY VOTED HOW VOTED THEY VOTED they voted: Aquatic Centre 16,AUGUST 2025 16, 2025 AUGUST 16,AUGUST 2025 16,AUGUST 2025 16, 2025 PASSED ASSED PASSED PASSED

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ayor ncillor Councillor Mayor on Klassen Yu Tim Ron Simon Bennett Polillo Yu

Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Coun Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Coun Simon Yu Tim Bennett Garth Frizzell Klassen RonSampson Polillo Cori Ramsay Susan Scott Brian Kyle Sampson Susan Scott Trudy Brian Skakun Garth Tim Cori Bennett Ramsay Frizzell Trudy Garth Simon Frizzell Klassen Yu Trudy Ron Tim Polillo Bennett Klassen Cori Garth Ron Ramsay Polillo Frizzell Kyle Cori Trudy Ramsay Klassen Kyle Susan Ron Sampson Polillo Scott Kyle Brian Susan CoriSampson Ramsay Skakun Scott Brian Kyle Sampson Skakun Susan

While contractors started the lengthy repair process at the Prince George Aquatic Centre at the beginning of 2026, the saga kicked off in council’s previous term when the city received funding to carry out repairs and upgrades.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it didn’t get started back then. Between 2022 and 2026, council tackled how the renovations would be paid for, how long the pool would be closed to facilitate renovations and how to

Motion — Aug. 19, 2024 : Council gives fourth and final reading to a borrowing bylaw worth $22.15 million for repairs and upgrades to the Prince George Aquatic Centre After going through an Alternative Approval Process, it was up to council to give its blessing to a borrowing bylaw finalizing a loan to pay for part of the renovations. Some members of council expressed concern about the process through which the loan was approved. Result: Passed 6 to 3 In favour: Cori Ramsay Ron Polillo Susan Scott Garth Frizzell Tim Bennett Kyle Sampson

minimize the impact of groups like swim clubs affected by the closure. With all incumbents save for Coun. Susan Scott running for re-election, here’s how they voted on this issue.

Motion — Dec. 1, 2025: Council directs administration to return a report on options to avoid a two-year shutdown of the Aquatic Centre Another motion was proposed to install three diving platforms at the CLP to allow for practices and competitions while the Aquatic Centre is closed.

Result: Defeated 6 to 3 Against: Simon Yu Trudy Klassen Brian Skakun

In favour: Simon Yu Trudy Klassen Brian Skakun

Against: Cori Ramsay Ron Polillo Susan Scott Garth Frizzell Tim Bennett Kyle Sampson

Motion — Nov. 3, 2025: Council directs administration to return a report on options to avoid a two-year shutdown of the Aquatic Centre

Motion — Dec. 1, 2025: Council approves the purchase of three diving platforms for the Canfor Leisure Pool

After it was announced in October 2025 that repairs at the Aquatic Centre would last from Jan. 1, 2026 to sometime in early 2028, some groups like the Barracuda Swim Club said the closure could be an existential threat to their operations. Some members of council pushed for a motion directing staff to return a report on options to avoid a two-year-plus closure. Result: Defeated 6 to 3

Another motion was proposed to install three diving platforms at the CLP to allow for practices and competitions while the Aquatic Centre is closed.

In favour: Simon Yu Trudy Klassen Brian Skakun

Against: Cori Ramsay Ron Polillo Susan Scott Garth Frizzell Tim Bennett Kyle Sampson

Result: Passed 8 to 1 In favour: Cori Ramsay Ron Polillo Susan Scott Brian Skakun Garth Frizzell Trudy Klassen Tim Bennett Kyle Sampson

Against: Simon Yu

HOW THEY VOTED TED OW HOW THEY THEY VOTED HOW VOTED THEY VOTED AUGUST 16, 2025 How they voted: 4500 Ospika Avenue and Seniors’ 6, 2025 AUGUST 16,AUGUST 2025 16, 2025 AUGUST 16,Centre 2025 Funding PASSED ASSED PASSED PASSED

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ncillor yor Councillor Mayor on Klassen Yu Tim Ron Simon Bennett Polillo Yu

Telling the entire saga of the housing facility targeted for 4500 Ospika Blvd. would take more than a single page. In brief, the previous council of 2018 to 2022 approved the sale of the land, to developer

HUB Collection in July 2020 for the express purpose of building student housing. The city was later found to have violated provincial law by not issuing a public notice that it was up for sale.

Motion — Feb. 3, 2023: Council approves a change to a restrictive covenant on 4500 Ospika Blvd. to allow for the construction of a 118-unit seniors’ housing facility. HUB asked for council to approve a change to a restrictive covenant preventing anything other than student housing from being built there. The company said student housing was no longer feasible and it wanted to instead build seniors’ housing.

Seniors were part of another controversial item council discussed during this term, it involved whether to distribute the remainder of its 2025 contingency funds, worth $17,691, between Prince George’s five major seniors’ centres.

Motion — Jan. 13, 2025: Council approves a change to restrictive covenant on 4500 Ospika Blvd to allow for seniors’ housing. Almost two years later, enough of council had changed its mind to let the covenant be amended.

Result: Defeated Unanimously

Result: Passed Unanimously

Motion — May 8, 2023: Council approves a motion rejecting a change to the restrictive covenant on 4500 Ospika Blvd. to allow for seniors’ housing.

Motion — Dec. 15, 2025: Council approves the equal distribution of its remaining contingency funds between the city’s five major seniors’ centres.

A few months later, HUB asked council to re-consider and a motion rejecting the change was approved by a bare majority.

In the wake of this decision, seniors rallied at city hall before the next council meeting and made their displeasure known, leading to a seniors-focused grant stream to be created during 2026 budget deliberations.

Result: Passed 5 to 4 In favour: Simon Yu Garth Frizzell Trudy Klassen Brian Skakun Ron Polillo

Result: Defeated 6 to 3 Against: Cori Ramsay Susan Scott Tim Bennett Kyle Sampson

In favour: Simon Yu Brian Skakun Trudy Klassen

Against: Cori Ramsay Ron Polillo Susan Scott Garth Frizzell Tim Bennett Kyle Sampson

HOW THEY VOTED HOW TEDHow HOW THEY THEY VOTED HOW VOTED THEY VOTED they voted: Protective 16,AUGUST 2025 6, 2025 AUGUST 16,AUGUST 2025 Services 16,AUGUST 2025 16, 2025 PASSED ASSED PASSED PASSED

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ncillor yor Councillor Mayor on Klassen Yu Tim Ron Simon Bennett Polillo Yu

By percentage, policing, bylaw services and firefighting combine to form the single-largest component of Prince George’s annual operating budget. In 2026, the city’s budget projected $70.4 million worth of expenses on this front.

During most years’ budget deliberations, council is asked to consider increasing the number of police officers it contracts for through the RCMP and the number of firefighters working for Prince George Fire

Rescue, which are direct city employees. Here’s a roundup of some budget decisions council made about police officers and firefighters over the last term.

Motion — 2024 budget deliberations: Council approves the addition of four RCMP officers to the city’s policing contract.

Motion — 2025 budget deliberations: Council approves the addition of a cellblock guard position for the Prince George RCMP detachment.

These officers were proposed to be hired halfway through the year to halve the impact on that year’s budget. The full cost would come in the 2025 budget.

This position was meant to reduce workload for sworn officers by having a new position watch detainees.

Result: Passed 7 to 2

Result: Passed 6 to 3

In favour: Cori Ramsay Ron Polillo Susan Scott Garth Frizzell Kyle Sampson Brian Skakun Simon Yu

Against: Trudy Klassen Tim Bennett

Motion — 2025 budget deliberations: Council approves the addition of four additional RCMP officers to Prince George’s policing contract for a total of 157.

Against: Trudy Klassen Ron Polillo Susan Scott

Motion — 2025 budget deliberations: Council approves the hiring of five firefighter recruits and the purchase of gear for them as well as the promotion of four existing firefighters to the rank of lieutenant. Result: Passed 6 to 3

Result: Passed 6 to 3 In favour: Simon Yu Garth Frizzell Kyle Sampson Cori Ramsay Susan Scott Brian Skakun

In favour: Simon Yu Garth Frizzell Kyle Sampson Tim Bennett Cori Ramsay Brian Skakun

Against: Ron Polillo Trudy Klassen Tim Bennett

In favour: Garth Frizzell Kyle Sampson Tim Bennett Cori Ramsay Susan Scott Brian Skakun

Against: SimonYu Trudy Klassen Ron Polillo

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

OPINION

PG VOTES 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

A zero per cent tax increase is an unlikely fantasy KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor Property taxes go up. It’s a fact of life. And they should. Before you stop reading in disgust, we understand that local taxpayers are looking at their annual property tax notices with understandable anxiety, wondering why the municipal government continually requires more of their hard-earned dollars. It’s painful. We get it. But that pain is necessary. Municipal government is, at its core, a service industry. When you take a deeper look at the books, you find that the majority of your tax dollars don’t simply vanish into city hall. The property taxes you pay each year include funding for the school district and the regional district (including the $365 million funding for the new acute care tower). The portion of your taxes which go to the City of Prince George, pay for buildings, equipment and the salaries, benefits and operational costs of the human machine that keeps our city running. As part of this special section, The Citizen carried out a careful examination of the city’s $90.79-million payroll and their relationship to the 2026 budget deliberations. What we found is that the debate over proposed staff enhancements reveals something a lot of voters (and some candidates) won’t like: freezing property taxes for a year is a populist fantasy. Without massive, destabilizing cuts to the municipal workforce — including emergency responders and frontline staff — or a substantial increase to the number of ratepayers – people, businesses, and industry inside city limits – a zero per cent tax increase is almost impossible. According to the city’s 2025

Cartoon produced by human artist using AI and digital editing.

SOFI report, city staff and elected officials earned $90,798,615 in total salaries, benefits and other compensations that year. To put that figure into perspective, the city operates with about 741.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, though the total head count of individuals employed by the city in 2025 was 1,024. Of those workers, 493 earned less than $75,000 annually, while 531 employees earned more than $75,000. At the top of the organizational chart are the city’s senior managers and executives. The 2025 SOFI highlights the compensation packages for the city’s highest earners: Walter Babicz, city manager: $326,248.91 Deanna Wasnik, director of

planning and development: $240,556.59 Blake McIntosh, director of civic operations: $240,502.81 Andy Beesley, director of civic facilities and events: $239,713.58 Kris Dalio, director of finance and IT services: $235,096.62 Eric Depenau, director of administrative services: $234,325.98 Elected officials also appear on the payroll ledger. All eight city councillors earned a base salary of $44,161.32, while Mayor Simon Yu earned a salary of $145,861.78, alongside a $9,000 taxable vehicle allowance. Councillors also claimed thousands in expenses for municipal duties, ranging from Susan Scott’s $2,160.31 to Mayor Yu’s $17,423.46, as detailed in the final financial filings.

Yet executive salaries and council expenses are only the tip of the iceberg. The sheer volume of personnel required to maintain a sprawling northern city like Prince George sets a financial baseline for the city. For the 2026 fiscal year, salary and benefit increases alone are projected to rise by $3.165 million over their 2025 levels. That increase all by itself applies upward pressure on the budget before a single new capital project or service enhancement is even considered. Keep in mind that the 38% of the total city budget that represents protective services has wage increases that mayor and council have no control over. They can only dictate the number of firefighters / police / bylaw officers employed by the city, not their wages. So a tax freeze isn’t reasonable. But that hasn’t stopped people from suggesting it or even promising it. Let’s imagine a scenario where the next Prince George council declares a flat, zero per cent property tax increase for the year. What would actually happen? If council were to mandate a tax freeze, the city would face an immediate structural deficit driven by unavoidable increases, such as the $3.165-million jump in existing wages and benefits. To absorb that shortfall without raising revenues in other ways (most likely through user fees), council would have to slash spending. And because non-labour budgets are already stripped to the bone, those cuts would have to come directly out of the workforce. A zero per cent increase means telling departments to start cutting the services they are providing. That would mean leaving potholes unfilled, cutting back on park maintenance, closing recreational continued on next page

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

OPINION

PG VOTES 2026

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

continued from previous page

facilities and, most alarmingly, scaling back on emergency services. City administrators repeatedly warned council during budget talks that municipal budgets are overwhelmingly weighted toward labour and non-discretionary costs. Software subscriptions are largely mandated or essential, legislative duties are bound by provincial rules and core infrastructure maintenance cannot simply be wished away. Dalio and Babicz pointed out that non-labour costs across departments are already as lean as they can possibly get, without changing the level of service being provided. During the 2026 budget deliberations, council members demonstrated a clear appetite to find savings, successfully reducing spending from the initial staffwritten draft budget by around $1.8 million. However, every dollar shaved off the draft budget amount required agonizing debate and highlighted just how difficult it is to find meaningful savings without hamstringing service delivery. Council heavily scrutinized capital projects, opting to defer several items to manage immediate tax impacts: Ospika/Tyner roundabout: Initially targeted for deferral by Coun. Brian Skakun to explore external grants, the $2.5-million project, funded via the capital expenditure reserve and the BC Growing Communities Fund, ultimately remained on track after concerns were raised about losing conditional provincial money Exhibition Park electric utility vehicle: Deferred to 2027 by an 8-1 vote, saving immediate borrowing pressures Gorse Street greenhouse demolition: Unanimously deferred to 2027, though staff noted the structure is already beyond its lifespan and unsafe to enter Kin Centre wi-fi: Deferred to 2027 after Yu questioned its necessity

given cellular data and Starlink availability When council turned its attention to operational departments, members attempted targeted “efficiencies” that administration warned would translate directly to service reductions: Legislative services: Reduced by one per cent ($10,532 in savings), which Anderson noted would likely force cuts to public-notice advertising in local media outlets Human resources: Reduced by $149,546 by eliminating the continuous-improvement line item,

Fire Chief Bryan Burleigh explained that a relief firefighter covers various absences and helps offset overtime hours, though it does not fill an additional seat on a fire apparatus or instantly meet stringent U.S. National Fire Protection Association standards. Similarly, proposals to adjust RCMP funding — such as cutting authorized staffing from 130 to 129 officers to free up $258,404 for digital evidence management positions — were heavily contested. Some councillors, including

“It’s always been easy for those campaigning to make promises, even ones they know they can’t deliver on.” a move that could make the city overly reliant on expensive external consultants IT services: Reduced by $8,000 while navigating essential software contracts whose vendor fees continually rise Facility maintenance: Saved $94,600 by deferring office renovations at Fire Hall No. 1 and delaying the purchase of CCTV cameras And then there was the debate over the cost of public safety, probably the most telling conversation during the budget process. Staff proposed adding 12 new firefighters at a total cost of $1,588,248, or approximately $132,354 per position when training and gear are factored in. Citing the steep affordability concerns, council rejected that idea. Instead, led by Coun. Kyle Sampson, council approved a compromise: adding a single relief firefighter position at a cost of $132,354.

Sampson and Cori Ramsay, called that reckless and argued that gambling on police vacancy rates was a risk, especially given potential retroactive pay adjustments from federal collective agreements and the city’s lack of direct control over RCMP recruitment. The motion to cut the officer count was ultimately defeated 5-4. The message from these council votes was clear: council is trying to keep tax increases manageable, but members recognize that trimming public safety and emergency response services has significant consequences. Managing a mid-sized Canadian city in an era of inflation, aging infrastructure and the downloading of provincial responsibilities is a tough job. It’s a wonder anyone wants it. But they do — and we have a busy ballot of would-be councillors and mayors lining up to take on the challenge. What they need to know is that the City of Prince George’s

administration is continually torn between two very different sets of voter priorities. On one side are taxpayers who are feeling the pain of inflation, demanding fiscal restraint and a freeze on rising property taxes. On the other is a nearly $91-million annual payroll, millions in contractual wage increases and critical infrastructure deficits that demand additional and continuous funding. When politicians campaign on a zero per cent tax increase, voters have a responsibility to then ask for the rest of the plan. Promise zero? Ask them how. A zero per cent increase doesn’t mean magic efficiencies or painless belt-tightening. It means fewer firefighters on duty, reduced bylaw enforcement, delayed road repairs, reduced hours for pools and arenas. Council’s very modest cuts and strategic deferrals during the 2026 budget prove that while administrative fat can occasionally be trimmed, if revenues flatline the cuts must eventually come muscle and bone. Until the structural drivers of municipal costs — mainly labour and inflation — shift, voters are going to have to accept that paying for a safe and functioning city comes with an unavoidable price hike. It’s always been easy for those campaigning to make promises, even ones they know they can’t deliver on. If a candidate is promising to freeze taxes, ask them if they plan on doing that by cutting services (more commonly called finding efficiencies) or by growing the tax base (bringing new industry and business to our community). Those candidates that can’t answer that question are demonstrating a lack of understanding about the reality of city finances. That might not be who you want at the council table.

PG VOTES 2026

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Prince George Mayoral Candidates 2026

There are nine candidates running for mayor and 18 running for spots on city council this year. While The Citizen has either completed or is looking to arrange interviews with all candidates as well as host a series of allcandidates forums, this section was assembled to provide a brief insight into some positions

held by the challengers. In this edition of PG Votes, we introduce the candidates running for mayor and council and then provide their thoughts on whether certain elements of city operations should maintain existing funding levels, decrease them or increase them. In the third and final edition of PG Votes, we’ll return

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

with a list of candidates’ answers to a series of YES/NO questions. This will also include a shorter questionnaire filled out by candidates for School District 57’s board of education. Some candidates chose not to participate in the questionnaire or did not fill it out before an imposed deadline.

Ernesto Caranto Age: 66 Previously served on council?: No Employment: Marine engineer, acute nursing assistant and trader.

Why are you running?: I’m running for mayor because our city has been neglected for so many years. If you live here in Prince George, you can tell yourself.

Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes

How do you hope to accomplish it?: Day one, I would pass a motion regarding tax.

What is your top priority?: Freeze property tax.

FUNDING THE FUTURE

Bike lanes

Increase

Sewer utility

Maintain

Parks

Increase

Stormwater utility

Maintain

Trails

Maintain

Snow removal

Increase

Sidewalks

Increase

Prince George Public Library

Maintain

Water utility

Maintain

Remuneration for elected officials

Increase

Marc Carrier Age: 57 Previously served on council?: No Employment: Self-employed for 30 years in trades.

attractive for businesses and industries to grow with us. This will relieve some of the tax burden on homeowners, as well as create jobs. If I were elected as mayor, I would change how decisions are made by the financial department. The financial department needs to be more accountable and transparent to the taxpayers.

Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes

What is your top priority?: Provide back trust with people of PG.

Why are you running?: To make it easier for small businesses to grow in PG, by improving wait times for licenses and permits. I would like to make the city more

How do you hope to accomplish it?: Make the city hall more transparent.

FUNDING THE FUTURE

Bike lanes

Maintain

Sewer utility

Maintain

Parks

Maintain

Stormwater utility

Maintain

Trails

Maintain

Snow removal

Decrease

Sidewalks

Increase

Prince George Public Library

Maintain

Water utility

Maintain

Remuneration for elected officials

Maintain

PG VOTES 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Prince George Mayoral Candidates 2026 Randy Peter Danchuk Age: 69 Previously served on council?: No Employment: Construction, health and safety manager and instructor. Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes Why are you running?: I am a 69-year-old senior who has lived and worked here 47 years. Married over 40 years. I have kids and grandkids living here. I’ve worked in construction along with health and safety as WorkSafe prevention officer and health and safety management. I trained people in safety and equipment including CNC and many local and regional companies. I’m about PG first, creating a

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

better Prince George. Our city is deteriorating, the open drug use, the downtown buildings that are closed, lack of youth activities. The continual rise in spending and taxes. Our seniors need help with day-to-day life. They need help with taxes. Many people need help with affordable housing. Young people need help to find work. Our streets, sidewalks and curb work need attention. Our bus system needs attention. PG needs more cost-effective things to do and places to go for all people. We have to revaluate our policing and court systems. Prince George people need to feel safe. Neighbours helping neighbours. What is your top priority?: Health and safety , dealing with open drug use issues. How do you hope to accomplish it?: Cooperation with community services, police and medical services. Establish foot patrols and return to Block Watch. It’s not just our downtown, drug and alcohol abuse has consumed many areas of city not just downtown. We have to implement zero tolerance on violence and theft.

Bike lanes

Decrease

Sewer utility

Maintain

Parks

Increase

Stormwater utility

Maintain

Trails

Increase

Snow removal

Increase

Sidewalks

Increase

Prince George Public Library

Maintain

Water utility

Maintain

Remuneration for elected officials

Decrease

Garth Frizzell Age: 57 Previously served on council?: Yes - 18 years Employment: : 2002-2011- Founder and CEO, Terra Cognita Software Systems, Inc. 2012-2026 Staff and/or instructor of business at both CNC and UNBC. Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes

and Intergovernmental Affairs, both of which were exceptionally effective and delivering results in housing and homelessness, mental health and addictions, online harm and hate, human trafficking prevention and relentlessly seeking better supports to reduce violence, property crime and gangs. I’m running to make our city better, by deliver results with the council team working together. What is your top priority?: Foster Economic Development: Between geopolitical shifts, the fight for the forest economy, loss of students at college and UNBC, there will also be growth. A top priority will be to lead with long-term thinking during the boom and capitalize on the upcoming growth to make Prince George stronger, more resilient and more livable.

Why are you running?: The years ahead will change Prince George. We will transition economically, demographically, socially and culturally. We need How do you hope to accomplish it?: No Mayor or single person accomplishes leadership that can steady the city as we adapt to change, and leadership that can political goals alone. I build teams that deliver results. In business, our team won engage the whole team on council to guide our city staff. With 18 years elected to multiple awards from the Chamber of Commerce. In volunteering different teams our city, more than a decade building an award-winning tech company in Prince I’ve led have saved lives, or guided hundreds of businesses through the pandemic George and another decade teaching and volunteering, I am committed and by attracting millions in investment, or, in the case of leading the Federation of deeply connected to the city where my wife and I raised our children to adults. Canadian Municipalities in 2020-21, advocating effectively to bring millions of The city is facing change and it needs not just an effective leader, but a full team dollars of funding to Prince George, and billions to communities across Canada. I who can work together. build teams that deliver results. I have been honoured by my colleagues asking me to lead Finance and Audit FUNDING THE FUTURE

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

PG VOTES 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Prince George Mayoral Candidates 2026 Kyle Sampson Age: 33 Previously served on council?: Yes - 8 years Employment: Pacific Western Brewery Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes Why are you running?: I’m running for mayor because I care deeply about Prince George and I believe the decisions we make over the next few years will help define our community for a generation. People are frustrated about public safety, affordability, taxes, healthcare, core services and whether government is delivering. Those frustrations are legitimate, but I don’t believe Prince George is broken — I believe we are on the verge of one of the greatest opportunities in our history, and we need to be ready to seize it. My vision is to position PG as the next Western Canadian hub for mining, energy, transportation and logistics, and to give businesses and investors confidence in our direction. I will push for stronger public safety and community standards, better core services, responsible spending, faster and more responsive City processes, more housing and a more aggressive approach to attracting investment, jobs, infrastructure and opportunity What is your top priority?: My top priority is providing clear direction and decisive collaborative leadership to move Prince George forward. That means

bringing council together around the teams focused set of measurable priorities, making sure city hall is aligned behind them and holding ourselves accountable for actually delivering results. Whether we are talking about public safety, economic growth, core services, infrastructure or affordability, residents should be able to see where we are going, what we are working on, and whether we are making progress. Council should identify an opportunity, issue, challenge - take a clear stance - and move forward. I want to build confidence that Prince George has a plan, that city hall is focused and that we are getting things done. How do you hope to accomplish it?: I will work with the new council to establish a clear, focused set of priorities early in the term, with measurable goals, timelines and expectations for what success looks like. From there, we will align city work plans, budgets, advocacy and major decisions around those priorities so we are all pulling in the same direction. As mayor, I will work to build a culture where different perspectives are welcomed, good ideas are judged on their merit and we have the difficult conversations needed to reach decisions. We can debate, we can agree or disagree, we vote and then we move to the next issue. Collaboration matters, but so does moving forward once a direction has been set. I also want stronger accountability around implementation, with regular public reporting on major priorities, commitments and results—residents should be able to see what council said it would do, what progress has been made, what is delayed and why.

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Zachariah Olson Age: 25 Previously served on council?: No

Why are you running?: I have grown tired of seeing things get worse and worse with little to no hope of it getting better. If I want to see a change, if I want to see things better, then I must make that change.

Employment: Event management at Great White Toys, Comics and Games.

What is your top priority?: Reducing crime.

Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes

How do you hope to accomplish it?: Work with the RCMP to work on a transitional plan to increase the number of officers active so that we are not understaffed and overstretched.

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“Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.”

James Bovard,

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

PG VOTES 2026

Prince George Mayoral Candidates 2026 Roy Stewart Age: 78 Previously served on council?: No

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our economy and build a prosperous future for Prince George. What is your top priority?: Public safety in Prince George is number one. if we don’t regain control of our streets and address crime before it becomes even more rampant, our city will remain broken.

Employment: Lawyer Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes Why are you running?: I have called Prince George home for more than 50 years and built my legal career here in the community I am proud to call home. My priorities include addressing homelessness through practical partnerships, managing taxpayers’ money responsibly and preparing our city for sustainable growth. I believe Prince George has the potential to become a hub for the next generation of responsible resource development. By building strong relationships with Indigenous communities, industry, and our provincial and federal governments, we can attract investment, create new opportunities, strengthen

How do you hope to accomplish it?: Step 1: Prince George already has a Safe Streets Bylaw. The first step is to ensure it is being consistently and effectively enforced. Step 2: Move services such as needle exchange, food distribution and other supports away from our streets and into appropriate supportive housing and service locations. People who need help should have access to it, but those services should be delivered in places designed to provide that support. Step 3: Implement regular, thorough cleaning of affected streets and public spaces using high-pressure washing and other appropriate sanitation measures. Residents, visitors and businesses deserve public spaces that are clean, safe and maintained. Step 4: Make sure our bylaw officers have the appropriate equipment, tools, training and resources they need to safely and effectively address street-related

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Simon Yu - Incumbent Age: 67 Previously served on council?: Four years Employment: Professional Engineer

Why are you running?: To give back to a city which havs given my family so much over three generations.

Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes

How do you hope to accomplish it?: Be the best economic ambassador for PG.

What is your top priority?: Create and protect jobs.

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PG VOTES 2026

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Prince George Council Candidates 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Tim Bennett Age: 40 Previously served on council?: Yes - Four years

I have the experience, education, and passion to provide strong leadership, good governance and effective advocacy while ensuring the decisions we make today build a stronger Prince George.

Employment: Chief revenue officer with Scouts Canada

What is your top priority?: Addressing affordability without compromising the vital city services that make our community livable.

Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes Why are you running?: Prince George is home. I grew up here and I’m raising my family here. I believe the best of PG is still to come. These last four years were tough, but positive steps were taken. Now we need to balance between responding to the challenges facing us and making the investments and decisions to set our community up for success. I bring a perspective that isn’t always represented at the Council table. I’m a registered member of Tsq?éscen? First Nation but also a parent raising a young family. I understand the everyday challenges families face: finding childcare, caring for parents, needing accessible public spaces and watching everyday costs rise. All of this factors into whether Prince George works for families.

How do you hope to accomplish it?: The city needs to balance the budget and taxpayers can’t bear the brunt of that. You will not hear me promise zero per cent tax increases, but we need to keep any increase as low as possible. The only way to do that is cut expenses or increase revenue. To do that I would like to see three things over the term: 1) Create incentives to bring or relocate businesses into downtown and charge higher taxes to those who keep vacant buildings in the downtown core. 2) Remain hyper focused on infill and mixeduse developments. Increase housing, especially affordable housing, to grow our tax base without increasing road kilometers and underground infrastructure. 3) Continue to improve city operational efficiencies. If service can be provided that much faster and permits issued that much quicker.

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Nicole Fraser Age 43 Previously served on council?: No Employment: Owner of Praxis Solutions - I also teach community engagement and inclusion at UNBC. Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes Why are you running?: I’m running because Prince George is home and I want to put my education and experience to work serving the interests of this community. I’ve raised my family here, worked inside city hall and built a business serving northern communities. I hold a bachelor’s degree in northern and rural community planning and a master’s in political science, both from UNBC. My education and work have focused on understanding northern communities and how local government can better serve them. I want to bring that knowledge to council alongside the experience and ideas of the people who

live here. That means listening, making thoughtful decisions about growth and public spending and recognizing our value as a northern hub. I’m putting my name forward to help shape a city where people feel heard and can build a good life at every age. What is your top priority?: Strengthening the connection between city hall and the people it serves. I want residents’ knowledge and everyday experiences to help shape the decisions that affect their neighbourhoods. How do you hope to accomplish it?: I would hold regular neighbourhood conversations and bring those concerns and ideas to council. I would work with council to involve residents earlier in major decisions, provide clear information about options and costs and report back on what we heard, what was decided and why. I would also advocate for public updates on council’s priorities, including timelines, spending and progress, so residents can see whether we are following through.

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PG VOTES 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Prince George Council Candidates 2026 Jesi Janjua Age: 46 Previously served on council?: No Employment: Account executive for GFL Environmental Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes Why are you running?: I am running for office because I genuinely care about my city and I genuinely care about the people in it. As it sits right now there are people running the city who may not have the city and its people’s best interest in mind. I’m here to serve the people and that is exactly what I plan on doing. I

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see so much potential and so many opportunities that we are missing. My plan is to catch these opportunities and support the growth to get us back to where we should be. What is your top priority?: Absolute transparency. Rebuilding public trust through transparent city spending, accessible financial reporting and strict oversight. How do you hope to accomplish it?: I’ll push for accessible digital dashboards to track major capital projects in real time and clear public check-ins before major spending decisions are made.

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Trudy Klassen Age: 57 Previously served on council?: Yes - Four years Employment: 20 years as a logging contractor. Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: No Why are you running?: I spent four years working hard to do what I campaigned on. I was glad a mayor on a similar platform won by a large majority. However, except for a few items, the council majority worked against him and defeated his initiatives time and again, for no good reason. Instead of working with the mayor on ideas we all agreed with in principle, that majority set the agenda and

voted for administration to lead. That is backwards. Politicians should lead. Council should set a clear direction so staff can do the work they trained for. We still got some things done, but not nearly what residents voted for or deserve. Two members of that majority now want to be mayor. I speak up when files stall and businesses are desperate to get permits approved. I will work to establish a regional investment plan. Council should treat residents as partners. What is your top priority?: Economic development. How do you hope to accomplish it?: 1, A “get to yes” attitude at city hall that treats each development and business application as a valued client, 2, develop synergistic relationships with our regional partners for mutual co-operation and benefit and 3, Improve fiscal responsibility to reduce tax hikes.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

PG VOTES 2026

Prince George Council Candidates 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Tucker Krause Age: 20 Previously served on council?: No Employment: UNBC Economics Student

for years. Supporting young people helps everyone. It brings workers for local businesses, more energy into the community, and a stronger tax base for the services people rely on. I’m running to follow through and make sure the next generation is heard and is given a reason to stay.

Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: No

What is your top priority?: Growing the city’s tax base by attracting and keeping more young people here.

Why are you running?: I was born and raised in the Prince George area. Prince George is where my life is. At 20, a lot of people my age are already deciding whether to leave. I think we can change that by focusing on a few specific things council can actually do instead of just talking about them. That means getting empty city lots developed, making it easier for local businesses to grow and dealing with basic issues like public washrooms that have been studied

How do you hope to accomplish it?: I will push for more density and infill in the downtown core. Turning empty lots into housing brings more residents and customers into the area, which makes the city more practical for young professionals. Over time, that grows the tax base and eases the load on everyone else.

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Trenten Laarz Age: 32 Previously served on council?: No Employment: Mental health and addictions support worker. Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes Why are you running?: I’m running for Prince George city council because I see every day in the ER how city decisions land on real people. As a Mental Health and Addictions Support Worker, I want a city that is safe, caring, and growing in a way working people can actually feel. That means practical harm reduction, better access and transit, and doing

big projects at the right time instead of waiting until they cost more. I’m running to bring practical solutions to reduce costs at City Hall so residents can see where there tax dollars go and finally feel heard. What is your top priority?: Ensuring that people and businesses in Prince George have accountability when it comes to their hard-earned tax dollars How do you hope to accomplish it?: By reviewing and restructuring administrative costs within the city’s planning department by simplifying the permit process to also increase expansion and growth for more economic development and creating partnerships and collaborating with services that are found locally within Prince George to help bridge gaps in services rather than fund and create brand new services.

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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

PG VOTES 2026

Prince George Council Candidates 2026

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

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Dan McLaren Age: 62 Previously served on council?: No Employment: President, Commonwealth Financial

business owner, with three buildings lost to arson, I feel a need to speak for law, order and safety. I also feel that our city’s long term economic well-being requires new and diversified industries. Lower taxes. Safer streets. More good jobs.

Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes

What is your top priority?: No residential property tax increases for two years.

Why are you running?: Prince George is a great city, but we can be better. After attending the 2025 and 2026 budget debates, I concluded that the taxpayers of Prince George needed stronger advocacy. As a downtown

How do you hope to accomplish it?: Task department heads to produce a five per cent spending reduction budget, then task them to defend anything they “can’t live without” before the Standing Committee on Finance and Audit.

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Rajendar Singh Parmar Age: 67 Previously served on council?: No Employment: Immigration consultancy. Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes Why are you running?: As a landed Immigrant family in Prince George for the last about 15 years, we have passed through all kind of good and bad experiences like most of all Immigrants. It is really hard to sustain and establish in any new country. For the last about nine years we have worked in the field

of Immigration in this town. This has provided us with a great opportunity to learn about multiple kinds of problems being faced in day-to-day life of various individuals in our city. I am volunteering for the last about seven years in different positions at the Immingrant and Multicultural Services Society. Now, I want to use my experience for the welfare of all kinds of communities in PG. What is your top priority?: Mental health and community wellbeing. How do you hope to accomplish it?: By interacting with the stakeholders in a timely manner to monitor the improvement.

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PG VOTES 2026

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

Prince George Council Candidates 2026 Dan Pears Age: 56 Previously served on council?: No Employment: Retired firefighter for the City of Prince George. Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes Why are you running?: I am running for city council because Prince George is the community that has given me a lifetime of opportunity and I want to continue serving it in a new way. I was born and raised here and spent 30 years as a firefighter, where I learned the importance of listening, teamwork, preparation and making responsible decisions under pressure. I am not running because I claim to have all the answers. I am running because I am prepared to do the work: listen to residents, ask tough questions, work respectfully with staff and community partners and make decisions in Prince George’s long-term interest. My focus will be safer neighbourhoods, reliable infrastructure, support for local business and responsible use of taxpayers’ money.

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

What is your top priority?: Downtown crime, homelessness, addiction and safety. How do you hope to accomplish it?: Public safety works best when police, firefighters, paramedics, bylaw officers, outreach workers and downtown businesses are coordinated. Closer coordination and regular meetings between these stakeholders should happen, enabling more effective communication and assessment of programs. This will lead to more effective implementation of responses and removal of ineffective ones. Council also needs to investigate whether a stronger and more visible community policing presence would help. Before making a commitment, we need to understand the expected results, staffing needs, financial impact and how any added cost would be funded. This cannot be solved by the city alone. Mental health care, addiction treatment, supportive housing and the justice system require provincial and federal action as well. People in crisis deserve proper support, while residents, businesses and frontline workers deserve safety. Holding higher levels of governments to account at every opportunity I am presented with is essential.

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Ron Polillo Age: 57 Previously served on council?: Yes - Four years Employment: Community engagement/home share manager at AiMHi. Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes Why are you running?: I bring a balanced, experienced and collaborative approach to council. I have the passion, vision and positive approach needed for the next four years. I have the professional and community experience needed to be effective leader on PG city council. I will continue to put in the energy and work needed to be a positive and effective champion for our city and region. I will continue to show up and put the hard work in needed for this demanding

and important leadership role. It would be an honour and privilege to serve you for another four years. I want to give back to a city that I love and have deep roots in. I have raised my family here and I have dedicated most of my time and talent making Prince George a safe, inclusive and thriving city! Let’s work together to continue this important vision for our city! What is your top priority?: Economic opportunity and diversification. How do you hope to accomplish it?: This is top priority for the current council and my top priority. We have just launched our new strategic plan for our economic development office. The main goal is to position Prince George as the industrial and logistics hub for Northern BC. The strategy focuses of five key pillars to foster a growing and resilient economy. The five pillars are policy navigation, downtown investment, talent alignment, Industrial and logistics hub and service excellence.

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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

PG VOTES 2026

Prince George Council Candidates 2026

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

B17

Bob Radloff Age: 71 Previously served on council?: No Employment: Professional engineer

Why are you running?: I am running for office to bring my experience of building efficient and effective organizations to city hall.

Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: No

How do you hope to accomplish it?: Increase efficiency at city hall and revisit capital program.

What is your top priority?: Reduce taxes.

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Cori Ramsay Age: 39 Previously served on council?: Yes - 12 Years Employment: Finance, Marketing and Communications Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes Why are you running?: Prince George is growing, changing and facing real pressure. Families are feeling the cost of living. Businesses need stability and confidence. Our infrastructure needs reinvestment. Our downtown needs sustained attention. Our community is asking for action on safety, housing, homelessness, mental health, addictions, climate resilience and economic uncertainty.

Over my two terms on council, I’ve learned how municipal finance, infrastructure, advocacy, governance and service delivery fit together. I’ve also learned that there are no easy answers, but there are better questions, better processes and better outcomes when council is focused, informed, and accountable. I’m running because I love Prince George and want to be part of the solution. What is your top priority?: My focus is on responsible budgets and infrastructure reinvestment; downtown revitalization is also incredibly important to me. How do you hope to accomplish it?: My approach is simple: do the homework, ask the hard questions, protect taxpayers, advocate relentlessly and make decisions based on evidence, not slogans or buzz words.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

PG VOTES 2026

Prince George Council Candidates 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Brian Skakun Age 63 Previously served on council?: Yes - 24 years Employment: Worked 40 years in the frorest industry from sawmills to pulp mills.

Why are you running?: I’m running for office because I care deeply about our community. I also have the experience to help navigate the political landscape to help council achieve positive changes. I enjoy helping businesses, groups or individuals when called upon. I would be honoured to serve another term on city council.

Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes

What is your top priority?: Reducing social disorder, thereby restoring public safety.

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James Steidle Age: 47 Previously served on council?: No Employment: Self-employed small business owner, high school metalwork teacher

community and I would like to represent ideas that most politicians and those in positions of leadership appear to ignore or overlook. I would like to bring another perspective to the table that prioritizes the little guy — small business, local economies, self-dependence, environmental values and community. What is your top priority?: Fiscal responsibility.

Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes

How do you hope to accomplish it?: Reduce waste, reduce sprawl, get hub city resources, assess administrative pay. Why are you running?: I’m running for office because I care about our FUNDING THE FUTURE

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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

PG VOTES 2026

Prince George Council Candidates 2026

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

B19

Bruce Wayne Age: 51 Previously served on council?: No Employment: District manager, transportation/logistics, business operations management, business development, general manager and business owner.

This is about practicality and getting things done! Finally, listening to residents is the core of my campaign because after all that who were governing on behalf of. Your city, your voice. Find the empty chair and have your say.

Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes

How do you hope to accomplish it?: By working together with the mayor and council. Starting by changing the narrative. We have hundreds of homes to address homelessness and while it’s part of the solution it’s not a remedy for the core challenges of people living with mental illness. Supporting the creation of a mobile navigation center, expansion of detox and Car60 through advocacy and working and with partners like Northern Health and First Nations Health Authority and handful of non-profits, rezoning and business licensing. Working with IDC (Indigenous Diversion Center) RCMP and first responders to tackle the disease of addiction by offering treatment for the root cause of the trauma. Amendments to bylaw that can increase enforcement and decrease the visibility of open drug use.

Why are you running?: I’ve done my homework, understand the role of city council and am prepared to work full-time if elected without any other outside career competing for my time. I have business experience, management experience, operations experience, people skills and marketing experience. I would like to see every family from the smallest child all the way to our most senior residents looked after. I believe these are common goals of most people living in Prince George. Therefore, having a more cohesive council around these priorities would seem more likely and meet less challenges around the table.

What is your top priority?: My top priority is improving public safety across Prince George so families, businesses and neighbourhoods can thrive.

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Remuneration for elected officials

Maintain

John Zukowski Age: 63 Previously served on council?: No Employment: Business owner (Pacific Body Jewellery & Piercing) and technical security specialist. Reside and/or own property in Prince George?: Yes Why are you running?: I am running for city council to bring practical accountability, common-sense leadership and a proven business perspective to city hall. Having lived in Prince George since 2005 as a local small business owner and technical security specialist, I see firsthand the challenges facing our community, from public safety and downtown revitalization to fiscal responsibility and infrastructure. City government needs to focus on core

municipal responsibilities and deliver real results for local taxpayers. I am committed to working collaboratively across our city to build a safer, more vibrant, and economically resilient Prince George for every resident, business owner and family. It’s time for strong, focused representation that listens to our citizens and gets to work. What is your top priority?: Restoring community safety and downtown economic vitality through practical municipal accountability and targeted security initiatives. How do you hope to accomplish it?: By strengthening local business and neighborhood safety partnerships, optimizing municipal resource allocation toward core infrastructure and public safety and working directly with local stakeholders and committees to implement actionable, common-sense solutions.

FUNDING THE FUTURE

Bike lanes

Maintain

Sewer utility

Maintain

Parks

Maintain

Stormwater utility

Maintain

Trails

Maintain

Snow removal

Increase

Sidewalks

Increase

Prince George Public Library

Maintain

Water utility

Maintain

Remuneration for elected officials

Maintain

B20

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

PG VOTES 2026

District 57 School Trustee Candidates 2026 Sarah Holland Age: 58 Incumbent Employment: Financial Planning Why are you running?: I’m running again because I believe public education matters and the board needs trustees who do the homework, ask questions and understand their governance role. That includes knowing what trustees can and cannot do. Trustees set direction, make policy, oversee finances and hold the system accountable, but they are not there to run schools day-to-day, set curriculum or direct staff. Over the past three years, I’ve focused on policy, financial oversight, and making sure decisions are based on good information. I’d like to keep that work moving, especially around long-term financial planning, finishing the policy review and strengthening good working relationships across the district.

David Low Age: 77 Employment: Credit counsellor, Real Estate investor. Past school principal. Why are you running?: Have a high sense of justice and common sense. Distressed over condition of public schools in Prince George. I feel I can join with others to help improve our credibility. Shar McCrory Age: 60 Employment: Communications, health care, administration. Why are you running?: I am running for School District 57 trustee because I want to continue serving SD57 students and staff by supporting strong public education and a stable, well governed district. My focus is on advocating for student success, safety, well being, and a sense of belonging for every learner, including those with diverse needs. I want to be part of a Board that prioritizes wellness and safety of students, teachers, and staff, and ensures that every student can be their best self and achieve at every level. I am committed to transparent governance, strong leadership, and respectful decision making. Building collaborative relationships with staff, families, partner groups, Nations, and community remains a priority for me. I also want to continue working with the Board on our new strategic plan and completing the policy review process. My goal is to help move the district forward with student wellness, achievement, fiscal and operational stability, and accountability. Barb McNab Age: 70 Employment: Director of Prince George House of Prayer. Why are you running?: I am running for school board trustee because of the escalating violence against students and teachers. 25 per cent of SD57 students do not feel safe at school. BCTF says 42 per cent of teachers do not feel safe while 15 per cent have experienced violence. La Loche and Tumbler Ridge have made these fears very real. SD57 has 364 students with “intense behavioral intervention / serious mental illness,” about one in

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

All of that matters because good governance helps support strong public schools and better outcomes for students. What is your top priority?: There are a number of priorities for SD57, but if I had to focus on one, it would be long-term financial stability so we can protect the services students rely on. How do you hope to accomplish it?: By being disciplined about what we commit to and looking beyond a single budget year. The board needs a clear picture of enrolment and funding trends, needs to look at different scenarios rather than assuming one forecast will hold and needs to be careful about adding ongoing costs. Reserves should be used strategically, not as a substitute for sustainable funding. A meaningful multi-year financial plan is part of that, along with regular monitoring so the board can adjust early when circumstances change.

What is your top priority?: Raising school standards. Challenging scholastic learning. Providing courses that are practical for life preparation . How do you hope to accomplish it?: Introduce career assessments to establish interest and skills bent. Personality assessments to that a student can know who they are and what they are capable of. This will establish more self-confidence. This leads to more trades courses or AI/ tech courses etc.

What is your top priority?: Student achievement. How do you hope to accomplish it?: As a trustee, I can support student achievement by helping create the conditions where students can thrive. This is done with safe schools, strong policies, transparent leadership and a strategic plan focused on success. Achievement grows when there is a solid foundation for early intervention, Indigenous education, rural equity and culturally safe practices. Trustees influence this by supporting safe, stable, resourced learning environments and ensuring decisions are grounded in clear data on literacy, numeracy, attendance, graduation pathways and equity gaps. This can be done by asking informed questions, supporting transparent reporting and monitoring meaningful indicators of student progress. Strengthening relationships with staff, families, partner groups, First Nations and communities is also essential. Through stable, transparent governance, the board can continue advocating for diverse learners, supporting staff, completing the strategic plan, and finishing the policy review process. These efforts help move the district forward with student wellness, achievement, fiscal stability and accountability. thirty students. Teachers cannot teach and students cannot learn in a fearful environment. I have been on many boards in my life. I am known as one who builds bridges. I bring common-sense solutions to the table. What is your top priority?: Make our schools safe for students and teachers so they can both do their jobs without fear. How do you hope to accomplish it?: Teachers need restored authority. More money for more teachers’ assistants to deal with behavior issues. Stronger consequences for serious behavior

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

PG VOTES 2026

District 57 School Trustee Candidates 2026 Don Sabo Age: 66 Employment: Retired. Why are you running?: Last and future school boards need to increase transparency, accountability and communications. New school board also needs to review and revise the 28% pay increase down to a more reasonable and Samantha Hermanson Age: N/A Employment: My professional background is in social services, education support, accessibility and community programming. Why are you running?: I am running for School District 57 trustee because I want to continue serving students and staff by supporting strong public education and a stable, well governed district. My focus is on advocating for student success, safety, well being and a sense of belonging for every learner, including those with diverse needs. I want to be part of a board that prioritizes wellness and safety of students, teachers and staff and ensures that every student can be their best self and achieve at every level. I am committed to transparent governance, strong leadership and respectful decision making. Building collaborative relationships with staff, families, partner groups, First Nations and community remains a priority for me. I also want to continue working with the board on our new strategic plan and completing the policy review process. My goal is to help move the district forward with student wellness, achievement, fiscal and operational stability and accountability. Monic Peacock Age: 72 Employment: I have a very diverse background, Commercial sales, office, banking and small business ownership. Why are you running?:With all the changes that have come in my life, retirement has been very different. This has allowed me the time to explore other opportunities that would keep me active as well as to make a difference here in this Jake Skakun Age: 30 Employment: Community outreach. Why are you running?: I’m running because I want to bring a fresh, grounded perspective to SD57. My background in community outreach and studying social work shapes how I look at our schools — we need to focus on what sets kids up for actual success.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

B21

fiscally responsible level. What is your top priority?: Try to get the school board to be more transparent and accountable for the decisions and actions it takes. How do you hope to accomplish it?: Convince them that transparency and accountability to the public/voters needs to happen through out their four-year term and not at every four-year election cycle.

What is your top priority?: My top priority would be making sure that the realities inside our classrooms are reflected in the decisions made at the board table. How do you hope to accomplish it?: I will try to accomplish this by attempting to create regular opportunities to hear directly from students, families, teachers, EAs, YCW, IEWs and other staff about what is working and where the pressures are. This would not mean interfering in day-to-day school operations. It means making sure the board has the information it needs before setting policy, approving budgets or measuring whether decisions are successful. I would also ask for reporting that looks beyond enrolment numbers and empty desks to include what those classrooms are really like for the educators and staff. There can be ten empty desks but if there are several students needing support, that class could be over capacity for the staff. I would bring those perspectives and questions to board discussions, advocate for resources where they’re truly needed and follow up to determine whether decisions are actually improving conditions for students and the people who support them.

community. What is your top priority?: My main concern is in the classroom with students, teachers and expectations of parents. I would like to explore the changing dynamics and see if there are more effective opportunities for change. How do you hope to accomplish it?: With conversations on expectations of all parties’ parents, teachers as well as new programs and costs. Conversations can open new ideas and new possibilities. What is your top priority?: Creating new career pathways and opportunities to actually prepare students for the real world. How do you hope to accomplish it?: By building on what works, like expanding our current career and technical partnerships instead of letting them plateau and redirecting wasted administrative dollars straight into scaling up those hands-on pathways.

B22

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

PG VOTES 2026

District 57 School Trustee Candidates 2026 Sara Patterson Age: 48 Incumbent Employment: Lead Cost Co-ordinator with Tyrod Industries. Why are you running?: I am running because I want to support schools where students feel accepted, challenged, and ready to learn. My guiding principle is acceptance and excellence — meeting students where they are while ensuring strong learning outcomes. Growing up in Blackburn and raising two daughters in SD57 has given me firsthand insight into the strengths and needs of our local schools. My years as a teacher and curriculum developer in Ethiopia also shaped how I understand learning environments and how different systems approach student success. That outside perspective helps me compare, reflect and make thoughtful decisions. As a new trustee, my focus would be to learn, listen and work collaboratively with families, staff, and Indigenous partners to support

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

student wellbeing and strong learning across the district. What is your top priority?: Responsible AI preparedness How do you hope to accomplish it?: Responsible AI preparedness means making sure AI is used in our schools safely, ethically and in ways that support learning. As a trustee, I would start by consulting experts in data privacy, cybersecurity and educational technology to understand the risks and opportunities. From there, I would help develop clear district policy that sets expectations for how AI can be used, protects student information and defines firm limits, such as ensuring AI is never used for monitoring students or making disciplinary decisions. I would also support training for staff and guidance for students so everyone understands how to use AI responsibly. For me, responsible AI preparedness is part of creating a safe, modern learning environment where technology supports students without replacing human judgment or physical learning tools such as books.

Laurie Dillman School Trustee Candidate

Keenan Murphy Council Candidate

Anthony Okechukwu Council Candidate

Did not respond

Cory Antrim School Trustee Candidate

Chris Brennan School Trustee Candidate

Shawn Bortolon Council Candidate

Declined to participate

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

City Council - Choose 8 BENNETT, Tim BORTOLON, Shawn FRASER, Nicole JANJUA, Jesi

PG VOTES 2026 Voter Eligibility You live in Prince George OR You own property in Prince George As the newspaper of record, we have reached out to every candidate who has put their name forward. Their interviews and our election coverage can be found online, scan the QR code at the bottom of this page.

Mayor - Choose 1 KLASSEN, Trudy KRAUSE, Tucker LAARZ, Trenten MCLAREN, Dan OKECHUKWU, Anthony PARMAR, Rajendar PEARS, Dan POLILLO, Ron

DILLMAN, Laurie HERMANSON, Samantha HOLLAND, Sarah

MCCRORY, Shar

FRIZZELL, Garth MURPHY, Keenan OLSON, Zachariah

MCLEAN, Erica MCNAB, Barb MITCHELL, Lisa PATTERSON, Sara PEACOCK, Monica

SAMPSON, Kyle SABO, Don

RAMSAY, Cori

YU, Simon

SKAKUN, Brian

ZUKOWSKI, John

BRENNAN, Craig

CARRIER, Marc

STEWART, Roy

WAYNE, Bruce

ANTRIM, Cory

LOW, David

DANCHUK, Randy

YOUR

VOTE COUNTS

B23

School District Trustee - Choose 5

CARANTO, Ernesto

RADLOFF, Bob

STEIDLE, James

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

SKAKUN, Jake

B24

PGVOTES VOTES 2026 PG 2026

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

2026 General Local Election Information WHERE TO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY 5

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

1. Prince George Conference and Civic Centre

Open October 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th for advance voting and open General Voting Day on October 17th.

2. John McInnis Learning Centre

Open General Voting Day on October 17th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

3. DP Todd Secondary School

Open General Voting Day on October 17th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

4. Edgewood Elementary

Open General Voting Day on October 17th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

5. Shasti Kelly Road Secondary

1 6

Open General Voting Day on October 17th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

6. Blackburn Elementary

Open General Voting Day on October 17th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

7. College Heights Secondary 7 8

Open General Voting Day on October 17th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

8. Vanway Elementary

Open General Voting Day on October 17th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

WHAT TO BRING

WAYS TO VOTE

Voters must show two pieces of acceptable identification at the time of voting. Together, the two pieces must show:

Wednesday 7 October 2026 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Advance Voting at the PG Conference & Civic Centre

• Your name; • Your residential address; and • Include your signature. If your ID does not show your address: You may provide two pieces of ID that prove your identity, one of which must include your signature, and then make a solemn declaration of your residential address to the Election Official at the voting place.

Vote early, vote on General Local Election Day, or vote by mail!

Thursday 8 October 2026 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Advance Voting at the PG Conference & Civic Centre Wednesday 14 October 2026 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Advance Voting at the PG Conference & Civic Centre Thursday 15 October 2026 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Advance Voting at the PG Conference & Civic Centre Saturday 17 October 2026 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. General Local Election Day. Voting available at eight community locations..

For more information on voting eligibility, curb-side voting and voting assistance visit; https://getinvolved.princegeorge.ca/election or scan the QR Code