As a non-partisan, member-driven non-profit business organization, the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with CICK 93.9 FM CICK News, will host the 2026 Municipal All-Candidates Forum on Thursday, October 8, at the Della Herman Theatre.
This event will give local businesses and the wider community an opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their priorities, perspectives and vision for Smithers and Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Electoral Area A, helping voters make informed choices at the ballot box on Saturday, October 17.
Local government decisions directly shape the conditions in which businesses operate, invest, hire and grow. From housing and development approvals to infrastructure, transportation, taxation, public safety and the overall economic health of our region, the decisions made by local elected officials affect both our business community and our quality of life.
The forum will focus on pressing business and community issues influencing economic development and the long-term prosperity of our region. Questions will explore topics such as:
• The local business climate and economic development
• Crime and public safety
• Housing, affordability and workforce challenges
• Taxation, and cost of living pressures
• Permitting, development and responsible growth
• Infrastructure and transportation
• Environmental stewardship
• Other priorities identified by Chamber members, local businesses and residents through submitted questions to CICK (see QR code).
*The Chamber does not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party. Our role is to provide a fair, respectful and non-partisan forum in which candidates are given an equal opportunity to participate and the issues important to our businesses and broader community can be explored through constructive public dialogue.
Event Schedule:
4:30–5:30 p.m. | Coffee with the Candidates
Meet the candidates in the Round Room and ask questions directly.
6:00–8:00 p.m. | Auditorium Forum
Please be seated by 5:55 p.m. The forum will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.
*Submit questions here: https://forms.gle/
Admission is by donation. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be turned away due to an inability to donate. Donate HERE.
The forum will also be livestreamed on the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page HERE.
Thank you to the RDBN, School District No. 54, the Bc Northern Real Estate Board and partner CICK 93.9 FM for supporting this important community event.
