The mayoral race in Fort St. John has commenced with Councilor Trevor Bolin announcing his candidacy against incumbent Mayor Lilia Hansen. Bolin, who has been a council member since 2008, expressed his pride in his tenure in municipal politics and his desire to elevate his advocacy for Fort St. John to a higher level.
On the other hand, Hansen, who assumed the mayoral position in 2022 after serving two terms as a city councilor, highlighted the ongoing progress made by the council and staff, emphasizing the need for further work ahead. A significant issue on the horizon is the proposed construction of a new aquatics center, which could cost up to $185 million, with a referendum allowing residents to decide on borrowing up to $90 million for the project.
Both candidates emphasized their commitment to advocating for the city’s interests, addressing various community concerns such as healthcare services, senior housing, and crime prevention. The recent spate of targeted shootings in Fort St. John has raised the urgency for increased resources to combat criminal activities, as voiced by both Hansen and Bolin.
Additionally, Bolin stressed the importance of making Fort St. John an attractive destination for businesses, focusing on opportunities for manufacturing and commercial ventures to thrive. Looking ahead to the upcoming municipal election on October 17, both candidates are gearing up for a competitive race to lead the city forward.
In the previous election, Hansen secured 1,620 votes for mayor in 2022, while Bolin received 1,715 votes for a council position. As the election date approaches, the candidates are actively engaging with residents and outlining their visions for the future of Fort St. John.