Mayor's Musings for July 2026

by Steve Fairbairn, Mayor for the District of Elkford

SUMMER: A SEASON FOR PARTICIPATION AND PREPAREDNESS

With summer in full swing, it’s time to bring focus on participation, preparedness, and community resilience. 

MUNICIPAL ELECTION SEASON IS FAST APPROACHING

As election season approaches, and with the inevitability of a new mayor and council in Elkford, I’d like to share a few thoughts about running for office, and the qualities we should be looking for in those who will help guide Elkford into the future.

As an elected official you take on a task that you have no training for. Most people step into the role without formal training. You are in no way an expert at it, nor do you understand the balance between strategic planning and operations of the Municipality.  Those are things that you will learn through experience and dedication to the role.  

As a politician your job is to dream. With one foot planted in Elkford’s history and the other stepping towards its future, you help shape a vision that builds on our success while learning from past challenges. Topics like infrastructure of buildings, utilities, linear assets, asset management, to amenities such as the pool, ski hill, golf course, neighbourhood parks, and trails will all be touched by your voice and influence.

You play a pivotal role in developing and representing our community. From Demographics to community preparedness and community gatherings, to bylaws, policies and budgets related to strategic goals and the guiding principles of the existing Official Community Plan, council helps shape the direction of Elkford.

You will have the opportunity to help guide decisions like future of Elk Valley Lodge, hear out plans and how the District of Elkford can support local committees, volunteer organizations, and non-profits.  and non-profits. Working collaboratively with DoE Directors on projects and operational decisions, council’s focus remains on maintaining community assets while planning responsibly for the future.

Come with the perspective that ideas and an open mind are your greatest asset, and the investment is the possibility of clearer views from new, and various ideas and information that can often challenge and expand your thinking at each council meeting.

Governance is a role of guiding and looking at what could be.  It is a place for positivity, opportunity, and advocation. It is a role that can enable greatness and prosperity for the municipality, turning a shared vision into reality. 
Consider who you would like to see serving on council, and why. Across the region, prospective candidates are announcing their intentions with optimism and enthusiasm about leading their communities into the future. Vision matters.

Now is the time to consider your own intentions.  Election activities have already begun, and nomination packages are available. The official campaign period begins in September.

I wish to thank my council members for keeping politics and campaigning out of council meetings.  We remain focused on the work at hand and continue serving the community without distraction.
 

WHEN FIRE SEASON HEATS UP

With a province wide open fire restriction in place and the presence of smoke in the air, it is important to keep you and your family informed and prepared.

By keeping well informed, following safe practices and home and while travelling, and remaining aware of restrictions and advisories, you are helping protect yourself, your family and our community while reducing the risks associated with wildfire season.

For Information on Elkford’s Emergency Preparedness Plan, visit: https://www.elkford.ca/evacuation_plan   

I also encourage residents to sign up for the VOYENT Alert! Phone app. During a life-threatening emergency, an emergency alert will be sent to impacted areas in B.C. Some alerts may be sent to small warning areas, while others may affect more than one region or be issued province-wide.

Additional provincial and regional emergency information can be found at:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/emergency-alerts 

https://www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/protectiveservices/emergencyinfo/ 

I encourage everyone to stay engaged, stay prepared and make the most of the summer season. Together, we can continue to build a community that is safe, connected and ready for whatever lies ahead. 
 
Until next time,

Mayor Steve