Comox Valley, BC - The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), in partnership with the Village of Cumberland and City of Courtenay, is hosting a free candidate information session for those considering a run for office as a Mayor, Councillor or Electoral Area Director in this October's local government elections.
The information session will cover a range of topics including decision-making in local government, what to expect if elected, roles and responsibilities of elected officials, responsible conduct and other relevant topics for prospective candidates. The session will be led by former Central Saanich Mayor and Councillor Allison Habkirk and Christina Benty, former Mayor of the Town of Golden. Staff from the regional district and each participating municipality will be available at the session to provide information and answer questions.
How to Get Involved
The event is being held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm in the CVRD Civic Room, located at 770 Harmston Avenue in Courtenay. No advance registration is required for in-person attendance.
Participants may also attend virtually via Zoom webinar. Advance registration is required for virtual participation and may be completed through the election webpages for the City of Courtenay, Village of Cumberland, or Comox Valley Regional District.
Local Government Elections
Local government elections will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The nomination period for candidates will open on September 1, 2026 at 9:00 am and will close at 4:00 pm on September 11, 2026.
Voters in Courtenay will elect one Mayor and six Councillors, voters in the Town of Comox will elect one Mayor and six Councillors, and voters in the Village of Cumberland will elect one Mayor and four Councillors. The Comox Valley Regional District is responsible for conducting the elections for three Electoral Area Directors, one in each of Electoral Area A (Baynes Sound – Denman/Hornby Islands), Electoral Area B (Lazo North), and Electoral Area C (Puntledge – Black Creek).
For more information about this year's elections, visit:
• Comox Valley Regional District - Elections
• City of Courtenay - Elections
• Village of Cumberland - Elections
The Town of Comox is hosting a separate information session for those considering running for office in Comox. For more information visit their website.
The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
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Media Contacts:
| Comox Valley Regional District Jake Martens, General Manager of Corporate Services 250-334-6029 |
City of Courtenay Kate O’Connell, Director of Corporate Services/Chief Election Officer 250-334-4441 |
Village of Cumberland Rachel Parker, Corporate Officer 250-336-3005 |
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