Mayor's Musings for April 2026
by Steve Fairbairn, Mayor for the District of Elkford
Welcome to spring 2026!
With that lead-in, as I stated clearly during my election campaign almost four years ago, and again in writing in the August 2025 FernieFix, I do not intend to run for elected office in October 2026.
TIME CHANGE AND REGIONAL DISCUSSION
At the April Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) committee and board meetings, I was successful in having the March motion on time change overturned. That motion proposed moving to Mountain Daylight Time year-round.
A subsequent motion to survey residents across the RDEK on their preference for how we observe time within the Mountain Time zone was passed by both committee and board. The intent is that this survey will include a strong educational component outlining the implications of any potential change, or of maintaining the status quo.
LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND BC HYDRO
In other news, our positive working relationship with BC Hydro’s community liaison has led to infrastructure updates in town and helped prevent a situation that could have resulted in a significant power outage a little more than a month ago.
It can be difficult to notice improvements when things are simply working better, but that work matters. Additional upgrades are planned for later this year, which will likely require some scheduled power outages as that work is completed.
SPRING SAFETY REMINDERS
This spring has seen the return of walkers (not the zombie kind) and runners around town.
Once again, I am asking people to walk and run facing traffic and, where possible, in single file. You want to be able to see what’s coming before it reaches you. Sidewalks and pathways are also there to be used when available.
Your safety is largely in your control.
PROVINCIAL BUDGET ENGAGEMENT
The Province of British Columbia will be holding public engagement opportunities on the 2027 budget.
The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services will be hosting public hearings, including a stop in Cranbrook in June. While the deadline to request an in-person presentation has passed, written submissions can still be made through the committee’s online consultation portal beginning in June.
WILDFIRE AWARENESS AND FIRESMART™
As I write this, there has been an increase in wildfire activity across the province and regionally as well.
Please be careful in fields and wooded areas. It can happen here.
Making your home and neighbour FireSmart™ can be done a few steps at a time, but it’s important not to put it off. Elkford Fire Rescue can help provide guidance and practical steps. Resources such as the ‘FireSmart Begins at Home Guide’ and ‘FireSmart BC Landscaping Tips’ are available at the District Office and online.
CENSUS 2026
The 2026 Canadian census begins May 4. You will likely receive a census invitation letter in the mail with instructions and a secure access code.
Participation matters. It helps ensure our community is properly represented in planning and funding decisions.
INVESTING IN LOCAL RECREATION
Thomas McDonald, Area A director with the RDEK, has put forward a $200,000 contribution from the Area A Mine Tax Sharing Agreement toward the Fernie Freestyle Training Facility at the Wapiti Ski Hill.
This funding will support construction costs for the facility and represents a positive step for the Freestyle club and for our ski hill. I thank him for his leadership on this development project.
LOOKING AHEAD TO MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
Municipal elections are coming, with voting day set for October 17.
Being a municipal councillor or mayor is more involved than it may appear. It plays an important role in shaping the future of a community. As an elected official, your responsibility is to help define that future and the strategies needed to support a healthy and sustainable community.
It’s not a business. It’s public service. There is no profit involved.
Decisions range from long-term planning for infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer, fire protection and equipment, to the amenities residents value, including parks, trails, facilities and events. These are things that cost all of us a little, but contribute to the overall quality of life in Elkford.
Once strategic priorities are set, council relies on staff expertise to carry out the operational work needed to achieve those goals.
You may find yourself discussing a six-centimetre variance on a fence or a setback on a garage, alongside broader financial and planning decisions. You are responsible for ensuring budgets reflect operational realities, asset lifecycles and safety considerations.
It’s more than attending meetings on the second and fourth Monday of the month. It also means reviewing agendas and materials in advance, and participating in workshops, meetings and community events when you are able.
Newly elected officials are expected to take part in training opportunities that outline their legal responsibilities to the corporation of the District of Elkford. These sessions also provide valuable opportunities to connect with and learn from others in similar roles.
RECOGNIZING A COMMUNITY LEADER
Lastly, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to my friend and colleague, Dave Wilks, the outgoing mayor of Sparwood.
Dave and his wife are leaving the valley to begin the next chapter of their lives. I’ve known Dave since his days as the owner of the bowling alley in Sparwood, and we have worked together through his time as a Member of Parliament and as mayor of Sparwood, as well as his role as chair of the hospital board.
He has contributed to many important initiatives in the region, including the Tax Sharing Agreement, the upcoming F.W. Green long-term care facility in Cranbrook and the expansion of the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.
He was also a strong advocate in efforts to improve health care access in Elkford.
I will miss his knowledge, humour, passion and drive, and I wish him and his wife all the best in the years ahead.
Enjoy April’s showers.
Until next time, stay safe and stay awesome!
Mayor Steve
