So you want to be on City Council Everything you need to know before running for Municipal Office in Cranbrook in 2026 Council reflects the diversity of views and opinions that naturally reside within the Municipality. As a Mayor or Councillor you have a chance to be a leader in your community.
Please visit the City of Cranbrook Election website for complete information at: www.cranbrook.ca/election2026
Updated: August 31, 2026
Table of Contents ABOUT THE CITY OF CRANBROOK
Mission Statement.......................................................................................PAGE 4 Values...........................................................................................................PAGE 4
RUNNING FOR CITY COUNCIL
Skills & Knowledge.......................................................................................PAGE 4 Informed Decision.......................................................................................PAGE 5 Eligibility & Requirements............................................................................PAGE 5
CITY COUNCIL TIME
Commitments to Council...........................................................................PAGE 6
CITY COUNCIL SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ...................................PAGE 7 OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Mayoral Duties.............................................................................................PAGE 7 Remuneration & Benefits............................................................................PAGE 8 Time Commitment......................................................................................PAGE 8
OFFICE OF A COUNCILLOR
Councillor Duties.........................................................................................PAGE 9 Acting Mayor...............................................................................................PAGE 9 Remuneration & Benefits............................................................................PAGE 9 Time Commitment....................................................................................PAGE 10
ROLE OF CITY COUNCIL
Council’s Power & Duties.........................................................................PAGE 10 Role Clarity.................................................................................................PAGE 11 Adopting Bylaws.......................................................................................PAGE 12 Approving Policy.......................................................................................PAGE 12
BOARDS & COMMITTEES ......................................................................PAGE 13 ETHICS & STANDARDS Disclosure & Conflict of Interest...............................................................PAGE 14 Civil Liability................................................................................................PAGE 14 Disqualification..........................................................................................PAGE 14 Council Covenant....................................................................................PAGE 15 CAO Covenant.........................................................................................PAGE 16
ELECTION CALENDAR
Election Period...........................................................................................PAGE 17 Nomination Period....................................................................................PAGE 17 Pre-campaign Period...............................................................................PAGE 17 Campaign Period.....................................................................................PAGE 17
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Table of Contents ELECTION CALENDAR Advanced Poll #1.....................................................................................PAGE 17 Advanced Poll #2.....................................................................................PAGE 17 General Voting Day..................................................................................PAGE 17 Campaign Financing Disclosure Statement Filing Deadline...............PAGE 17 Campaign Financing Disclosure Statement Late Filing Deadline.......PAGE 17
COUNCIL ORIENTATION
Orientation Calendar...............................................................................PAGE 18 Orientation Schedule...............................................................................PAGE 19
COUNCIL MEETING CALENDAR
2026 Regular Council Meeting Dates.....................................................PAGE 23 2026 Council Meeting Calendar.............................................................PAGE 24
RESOURCES & REFERENCES
Contacts....................................................................................................PAGE 23 Online Resources.......................................................................................PAGE 25 Council Code of Conduct Bylaw............................................................PAGE 26
About the City of Cranbrook The City of Cranbrook was incorporated as a municipality on November 1, 1905.
from Montana’s Flathead Lake north to the British Columbia-Yukon border.
With a population of 20,499, Cranbrook is the largest city in the East Kootenay and serves as its regional hub. The “Key City” is also considered the gateway to British Columbia as the first major destination along Highway 3.
Home to abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, Cranbrook boasts a 2,000 ha Community Forest with over 100 km of hiking and mountain biking trails. Cranbrook also has the Elizabeth Lake wetland, Idlewild Park, Moir Park, and downtown Rotary Park for residents to enjoy.
Cranbrook is nestled within the 1,600 km Rocky Mountain Trench, which stretches
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About the City of Cranbrook MISSION STATEMENT
Where a sense of belonging, innovation, and diversity meet. Cranbrook is a regional economic, social, and cultural centre. The best place to call home.
VALUES Inclusivity
All are welcome in Cranbrook. We believe in the value of community and will enhance a sense of belonging as we look toward the future.
Service Excellence
Progressivness
We are elected to provide the best services, programs, and amenities. We will focus on meeting community needs to the best of our ability and capacity every day.
Responsivenes
We are committed to openness and accountability to our residents. Cranbrook will strive for continuous improvement through the use of best practices.
We will explore innovative opportunities with local and regional partners that will enhance the quality of life for all in Cranbrook.
Transparency
We will enhance communication with our citizens and provide greater opportunities for input. We will listen and respond to community needs and concerns.
Running for City Council Council reflects the diversity of views and opinions that naturally reside within Cranbrook. As a Mayor or Councillor you will have a chance to be a leader in the community. There are no special qualifications legislatively required to be a Councillor. However, visionary thinking, strong communication skills, enthusiasm, conflict resolution skills, and an ability to accept opposing views are great attributes to bring to the Council table.
SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE To run as a candidate, it is not crucial to have an education or experience in a government setting. Most candidates have skills, knowledge and abilities that are transferable to an elected official’s role. Undertake a
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self-assessment of your skills prior to running for elected office. Think about volunteer experience, community involvement, work experience, memberships in different organizations, and family life.
Running for City Council INFORMED DECISION Of all levels of government, municipal government is the nearest to the needs and expectations of local citizens. Local council members have the opportunity to significantly influence the future of the community. This can make a council member’s job both demanding and rewarding. Before submitting nomination papers, it is important to figure out whether or not you have adequate time to devote to the position, and to make sure the job will meet your expectations.
As an elected official, you will: • bring the perspectives of your demographic to the decision-making table; • influence changes that benefit the community and ensure its sustainability; • put forward new ideas for debate and possible implementation and change; • make a positive difference in the quality of life in the community; • provide a voice for the community with other levels of government; and • be part of a team that makes decisions that affect all aspects of community life.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS Section 81 of the Local Government Act covers the eligibility requirements for municipal candidates.
A person is disqualified to be nominated for office and elected to hold office if they:
A person is eligible to be nominated for office and elected to hold office if they meet all of the following requirements:
1. Are an employee of the City of Cranbrook (unless granted leave of absence) 2. Are a judge of the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court or Provincial Court 3. Are disqualified under the Community Charter for: a. Division 6 [Conflict of Interest b. Section 120 (1.1) [failure to make oath of office] c. Section 125 (5) [unexcused absence from council meetings] d. Section 191 (3) [unauthorized expenditures] 4. Are disqualified under Division 18 [Election Offences] 5. Are disqualified under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act 6. Are disqualified from any other enactment
1. 18 years of age or older on general voting day 2. Canadian citizen 3. Resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months 4. Must not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election in British Columbia or from being nominated for, being elected to or holding the office Section 81 and 82 of the Local Government Act covers the conditions for disqualification of municipal candidates.
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City Council Time COMMITMENTS TO COUNCIL Mayor and Councillors will serve a four-year term if elected. The 2026 Council of the City of Cranbrook will be sworn in a week after the general election and serve office until October 2030. Consider the time required as a member of Council and as a member of the community to balance Council commitments with a personal life, work life, volunteer hours, and other priorities.
Council Meetings
Conferences and Training
Special Council • as required information and potential decisions for Council
Travel Requirements
Regular Council • every second Monday of each month delegations, public hearings, bylaws, business, petitions, administration updates, correspondence, reports and inquiries • organizational meeting in December Council meeting dates for upcoming year Acting Mayor appointments appointments to committees • excludes holiday Mondays and the month of August
• budget deliberations in October, November, and December Committee of the Whole • tentatively scheduled oncer per month on Mondays information for Council
Board and Committee Meetings
Individual Councillors and the Mayor are appointed to represent Council on internal and external committees, boards or agencies. Meetings vary from each committee, board, or agency and can be held either bi-weekly, monthly, or as required.
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The City of Cranbrook is part of the Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments (AKBLG), the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). The AKBLG, UBCM and FCM hold annual conferences and conventions that may require attendance. Each Councillor will also be required to attend various training opportunities organized by the City of Cranbrook including but not limited to Council Orientation, Elected Officials Training, Media Training, and more. Requiring to travel for other Council duties is unlikely. However, Councillors have had opportunities to travel to neighbouring communities in the East Kootenay to learn about specific projects, inter-community objectives and initiatives, or other related partnerships with other local governments. The Mayor has been required to travel to Victoria or Vancouver, on occasion, to meet with other government officials.
City Council Social Considerations Social Events
Mayor and Councillors will be required to occasionally attend social functions and other events to represent the City of Cranbrook. Although the Mayor typically has more responsibility to attend local fundraisers, conferences, and other special events, Councillors are also expected to represent the City for local photo opportunities, media relations, or other special events and opportunities.
Behind the Scenes
Mayor and Councillors are expected to attend each Council meeting fully prepared to make informed decisions for the benefit of the community. Background work will be required to thoroughly read agenda packages, prepare questions, and be knowledgeable about the
subject matter shared at a Council meeting. Mayor and Councillors will also meet with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to discuss strategic priorities, directions for bylaw, policy, programs, and initiatives, as well as any ongoing problems, concerns, or questions.
Daily Life
Living in a smaller sized City means Council members are highly visible within the community. Members of the public will email, call, stop you at the grocery store, park, or hockey game to discuss ongoing City matters. Mayor and Councillors are never truly “off duty” as members of Council. The public will always be ready to present their views, ask questions, or inquire about City affairs.
Office of the Mayor The Mayor is the head and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the City of Cranbrook, as per Section 116 of the Community Charter.
MAYORAL DUTIES In addition to the duties of a Councillor, the Mayor has the following legislated responsibilities and duties under the Community Charter: • provide leadership to Council recommending bylaws, resolutions and other measures that may assist the peace, order and good governance of the City
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• to communicate information to Council • to preside at Council meetings when in attendance • to provide, on behalf of Council, general direction to municipal officers respecting implementation of municipal policies, programs and other directions of Council • to establish standing committees in accordance with Section 141 of the Community Charter
Office of the Mayor • to suspend municipal officers and employees in accordance with Section 151 of the Community Charter • to reflect the will of Council and to carry out other duties on behalf of Council A Mayor also has the following unlegislated responsibilities and duties: • considers and promotes the welfare and interest of the City of Cranbrook • sits as a member of the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors • makes themselves available to interact with the public emails, phone calls, voice mails, face-to-face interactions in public and in private • brings forward the views and opinions of residents to Council • votes on bylaws, municipal policies, requests for decisions, and other motions made at Council meetings • works with Council to monitor and respond to the organization’s outcomes and goals • directs questions and concerns regarding City administration to the CAO • stays informed about relevant local issues and legislation • attends and participates in community events, public functions, ceremonies, and other events • liaise with elected officials from other municipalities and other levels of government regarding municipal issues • communicates Council’s decisions to the media and the public
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REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS The Mayor is paid a base salary of $79,949.83 annually as per the Mayor and Councillor Indemnity Bylaw No. 3973, 2019. The salary includes an annual increase on January 1st by the BC Consumer Price index as reported by B.C. Stats in December of the preceding year. The Mayor and their immediate family members have Dental, Extended Health and Medical Services Plan Benefits provided during the Mayor’s term on Council as per the Council Dental, Extended Health and Medical Services Plan Benefits Policy No. 10-05.
TIME COMMITMENT Being elected as Mayor is generally considered to be a part-time commitment with the expectation of approximately 20-25 hours of work per week to perform the Mayor’s various duties. Frequent evening hours and weekend work would be required. At minimum, the Mayor would chair two Regular Council meetings per month as well as attending the various internal or external board and committee meetings appointed. The majority of the Mayor’s time is spent working closely alongside Council, City administration, and community representatives to develop strategies, plans, policies, and initiatives that would be brought to Council meetings for consideration and decision.
Office of a Councillor A Councillor is one of six elected officials that help form the Municipal Council of the City of Cranbrook, as per Section 115 of the Community Charter.
COUNCILLOR DUTIES A Councillor has the following legislated responsibilities and duties under the Community Charter: • consider the well-being and interests of Cranbrook and the community • contribute to the development and evaluation of Cranbrook’s policies and programs, respecting its services and other activities • participate in Council meetings, committee meetings, and meetings of other bodies to which the Councillor is appointed • carry out other duties assigned by Council A Councillor also has the following unlegislated responsibilities and duties: • considers and promotes the welfare and interest of the City of Cranbrook • makes themselves available to interact with the public emails, phone calls, voice mails, face-to-face interactions in public and in private • brings forward the views and opinions of residents to Council • votes on bylaws, municipal policies, requests for decisions, and other motions made at Council meetings • work alongside the Mayor to monitor and respond to the organization’s outcomes and goals • directs questions and concerns regarding City administration to the CAO
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• stays informed about relevant local issues and legislation • attends and participates in community events, public functions, ceremonies, and other events
ACTING MAYOR The Acting Mayor serves as the Mayor when the elected Mayor is absent, is otherwise unable to act and fulfill their duties, or when the office of the Mayor is vacant. The duties and responsibilities of the Acting Mayor are typically rotated every two months amongst the elected Councillors. In the Mayor’s absence or vacancy, the Acting Mayor must fulfill all duties and responsibilities of the Mayor.
REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS A Councillor is paid a base salary of $29,150.87 annually as per the Mayor and Councillor Indemnity Bylaw No. 3973, 2019. The salary includes an annual increase on January 1st by the BC Consumer Price index as reported by B.C. Stats in December of the preceding year. A Councillor and their immediate family members have Dental, Extended Health and Medical Services Plan Benefits provided during the Council’s term on Council as per the Council Dental, Extended Health and Medical Services Plan Benefits Policy No. 10-05.
Office of a Councillor TIME COMMITMENT Being elected as a Councillor is generally considered to be a part-time commitment with the expectation of approximately 15-20 hours of work per week to perform the Councillor’s various duties. At minimum, a Councillor would attend two Regular Council meetings per month as well as attending the various internal or
external board and committee meetings appointed. The majority of a Councillor’s time is spent preparing for meetings, liaising with City administration, doing research, attending public events, meeting with the public, and attending a variety of other related meetings.
Role of City Council The best way to fully understand the role of City Council is to witness City Council fulfilling its duties and responsibilities. Regular Council Meetings are held every second Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers (40 10th Avenue South) and are livestreamed (https://cranbrook.ca/livestream/). Agenda packages and minutes for all Council meetings are published online (https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/portal/)
and are easily accessible for the public. All other information on the City of Cranbrook and City business can be found at the City’s official website (https://cranbrook.ca/). Any direct questions about the roles and responsibilities of Council can be forwarded to the City’s CAO, Mark Fercho by phoning (250) 489-0211 or emailing mark.fercho@cranbrook.ca.
COUNCIL’S POWER AND DUTIES The powers of all municipal governments are delegated from higher levels of governments. In Cranbrook, Council’s legislative authority comes from the Province of BC. There are several provincial acts that apply to municipalities, however the Community Charter and the Local Government Act are the major pieces of legislation that delegate authority, power, duties, and responsibilities of local government.
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The City of Cranbrook, as a municipality, has a purpose and fundamental powers under Section 7 and Section 8 of the Community Charter. The purpose of the municipality is to provide good government for the community, provide services and laws for the community’s benefit, provide stewardship of the public assets of the community, and foster the economic, social and environmental well-being of the community.
Role of City Council The fundamental powers of a municipality include the authority to provide any service that Council considers necessary or desirable for the community. Council can regulate, prohibit, and impose requirements in relation to municipal services, public places, protection of people or property, enhancement of well-being, public health, amongst other regulations through adopted bylaws. At its core, Council is to make sure the powers, duties, and functions of the municipality are carried out and that the City employs a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The CAO is ultimately responsible for implementing the programs and policies of the City. As the administrative leader of the City, the CAO is the person to whom all City employees ultimately report. Every decision made by Council is made through a majority vote of those present at a public Council meeting. The Mayor and each Councillor represents a single vote on any given item for consideration. In order for Council to fulfill its functions, at least four of the seven Council members must be present at any given Council meeting to vote. Individual Council members do not have the power and authority to personally direct the activities of City employees, programs, or initiatives. The majority of Council decides on the direction of staff to implement bylaws, policies, and other directions or initiatives, with the CAO ultimately seeing those matters through to completion.
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Any candidate intending to run for Council because of a singular particular issue affecting the City is strongly encouraged to become familiar with the legislation, history surrounding that specific issue, and the full scope council is responsible for. Council develops and evaluates the City’s programs and policies in a variety of ways. From approving the City’s FiveYear Financial Plan on an annual basis, which encompasses all City finances, Council also outlines strategic priorities which provides direction for City staff to explore and investigate projects, programs, or write public policy.
RoleClarity Clarity Role POLITICAL POLITICAL Mayor and Council:
Mayor andselected Council: • Elected, people you from your political campaign
Role Clarity
• Decides ‘what we do’, this is Policy
Sets the direction of the City Corporation • Elected,• people selected you from your Makes decisions based on unbiased staff reports and political• campaign recommendations Does not get into operations • Decides•POLITICAL ‘what we do’, this is Policy and Council: • Sets theMayor direction of the City Corporation • Elected, people selected on you from your politicalstaff campaign • Makes decisions based unbiased OPERATIONAL • Decides ‘what we do’, this is Policy reports and recommendations City Staff: • Sets the direction of the City Corporation Hired, education and experience in roles, selected forand the job •• get Makes decisions based on unbiased staff reports • Does not into operations • recommendations Determines ‘how we do it’ from the Policy direction, this is Procedure • Does not get into operations • Operates staff reports and unbiased recommendations to Council for Council decisions • Does not get into politics
OPERATIONAL OPERATIONAL City Staff:
City Staff:
• Hired, education and experience in roles, selected for the job
• Determines and ‘how weexperience do it’ from the Policyin direction, this is • Hired, education Procedure technical• roles, in professional jobs Operates staff reports and unbiased recommendations to for Council decisions • DeterminesCouncil ‘how we do it’ from the Policy • Does not get into politics direction, this is Procedure • Creates staff reports and unbiased recommendations to Council for Council decisions • Does not get into politics
Role of City Council ADOPTING BYLAWS While Council won’t write or develop individual bylaws, they do set the direction for staff to bring bylaws forward for consideration. Upon adoption, bylaws formulate “local law” in the City which are enforceable by Bylaw Officers and other authorities, if so given. Bylaws are fundamental pieces of public policy that regulate, prohibit, and impose regulations or requirements within the community. Some bylaws are mandatory as per the Community Charter while
others are discretionary and depend on Council’s intention to enforce or regulate a specific issue in the community. Bylaws can range from direct enforcement, fees and fines, to regulations surrounding land use, private property, local business, cemeteries, parks, or other public spaces in the community. The City’s current bylaws can be found at the City’s website (https://cranbrook. civicweb.net/filepro/documents/2/ ).
APPROVING POLICY Policies are discretionary forms of legislation that outline the duties, standards, and performance of City staff in regards to a specific task. They are either imposed by legislation or imposed by the City to perform its various duties. Cranbrook’s policies include a Policy Statement that is approved by Council, providing an overall scope and vision for the policy. The Procedure attached to the policy is approved by the CAO and
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provides the operational tools for City staff to fulfill the task or duty. Policies can range from travel claim and expenses, water restrictions, and cemetery operations, to staff’s use of City technology, progressive discipline of employees, or Council correspondence. The City’s current policies can be found at the City’s website (https://cranbrook. civicweb.net/filepro/documents/59752/).
Boards & Committees On an annual basis, Mayor and Councillors are appointed to various boards and committees within the community. The appointments are made at the annual Organizational Meeting of Council which is held the first Regular Council meeting in December. If a 4-year term on Council does not seem to be the right fit for you, you can still participate in local government by being a public member on one of the City’s boards or committees. The following is a list of boards and committees that Mayor and Councillors will be appointed to serve and participate: • Advisory Planning Commission Two Council members (non-voting) • Cranbrook Public Library Board One Council member • Cranbrook History Centre Board One Council member
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• Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce One Council member • Visit Cranbrook Board One Council member (non-voting) • Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Advisory Committee One Council member One appointed alternate • Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board (4 year appointment) Mayor (5 votes) One Councillor (4 votes) Two appointed alternates • Kootenay East Regional Hospital District (KERHD) Board (4 year appointment) Mayor (5 votes) One Councillor (4 votes) Two appointed alternates
Ethics & Standards DISCLOSURE & CONFLICT OF INTEREST As an elected official for the City of Cranbrook, you are held to a high standard to protect the best interests of Cranbrook. It is imperative Council operates in an open and transparent manner with the public. Legally, you are required to disclose any interests that may cross paths with your role on Council that would monetarily affect you or your immediate family. That also includes gifts over the amount of $250 in value.
The Mayor or Councillor must declare the conflict of interest by disclosing the general nature of the pecuniary interest, abstaining from voting on and discussing the issue, and leaving Council Chambers until the matter is concluded before Council. Pecuniary interest, conflict of interest, gifts, insider information and more are covered under Part 4 [Public Participation and Council Accountability] - Division 6 [Conflict of Interest] of the Community Charter.
CIVIL LIABILITY A Council member can be held liable for numerous reasons, and any candidate should make themselves aware of the ramifications for contravening the Community Charter or Local Government Act.
budget or approved by Council, voting to spend money borrowed or from a grant on something else, or voting in favor of a loan, borrowing guarantee which exceeds the City’s debt limit.
Any Councillor could be held civilly liable for defamation as well as making expenditures not authorized in the
Further information on liability is detailed in Section 191 of the Community Charter.
DISQUALIFICATION The Community Charter also outlines the grounds for a Council member to be disqualified from holding office. While disqualification is severe, a Mayor or Councillor can be disqualified if they contravene: • Division 6 [Conflict of Interest] • Section 120 (1.1) [failure to make oath of office] Councillor does not make required oath or affirmation of office within time established
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• Section 125 (5) [unexcused absence from council meetings] Councillor is absent from Council meetings for a period of 60 consecutive days or 4 consecutive regularly scheduled Council meetings, whichever is longer, unless the absence is for illness, injury, or with leave of Council • Section 191 (3) [unauthorized expenditures]
Ethics & Standards COUNCIL COVENANT WE, as Members of the City of Cranbrook Will: • follow all aspects of the Council Code of Conduct for the City of Cranbrook; • adhere to the requirements of not directing staff and conducting ourselves in a manner consistent with all local government legislation; • understand and follow the requirements of all Council policies and resolutions; • carry out our responsibilities as set out in the applicable legislation to the best of our abilities; • make decisions which we believe to be in the best interest of the citizens of our jurisdiction; • review the background information and advice made available to us by the administration prior to rendering a decision; • seek further input from our CAO when we are unsure of the issues or uncertain as the preferred course of action; • refer any complaints, either written or verbal, about the decisions of the Council or the actions of administration, to the CAO for review, comment and follow-up (as appropriate); • refrain from making any commitments on behalf of the Council to individual citizens or groups other than to take the request up with the Council or CAO and to respond appropriately; • seek to participate actively in the decision-making process as it occurs at the Council table; make decisions at the table and not away from the table; • refrain from any public or private criticism of our administration wherein individual employees are identified; • provide effective leadership through guiding the corporation of the City through annual or longer-term goals and priorities (the Council’s Business Plan), through the budget approval process and by agreeing to reasonable policies which reflect, in our views, the best interests of a majority of our citizens; and • ensure that we formally evaluate the performance of the CAO at least once annually and involve the CAO in this process so as to ensure a full understanding of the Council’s candid assessment. Dated this ______ day of ___________________, 2024. Signatures: Mayor _________________________________ Councillor______________________________
Councillor_______________________________
Councillor______________________________
Councillor_______________________________
Councillor______________________________
Councillor_______________________________
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Ethics & Standards CAO COVENANT I, the Chief Administrative Officer Will: • conduct myself as your chief policy advisor in an honest and ethical manner • ensure that the Mayor and Councillors are accorded respect in all of my personal and public comments • provide advice (on all issues) which is professionally sound, ethical, legal and in accordance to the policies and objectives of Council • guide the actions of the administration so that they are in accordance with the policies and objectives of Council • act only on the will of Council as a whole as established by the resolutions, policies and bylaws of Council • forward any complaints or concerns of Council to the appropriate department and individual so that reasonable and prompt follow-up is assured • ensure that Council is made aware of the full picture with regard to each issue at least to the extent that the administration is aware of such information and ensure that Council has access to the reasonable decision options as well as my recommendation as your CAO • seek to ensure that Council is aware of any key issues as they arise and thus avoid the problems associated with surprises • maintain a current understanding of the applicable legislation as well as relevant programs, policies and initiatives of other levels of government • admit to any mistakes of substance made by myself or my staff and take corrective action • listen carefully to the concerns of Council vis-à-vis my performance and seek to improve any deficiencies on an ongoing basis • ensure that all major issues are tracked in sufficient detail so as to advise Council of any progress, anticipated problems or decision points. Signature: CAO __________________________________
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Election Calendar ELECTION PERIOD Thursday, January 1, 2026 – Friday, September 18, 2026 Period beginning January 1 of an election year until 29 days before General Voting Day. Campaigns must report all expenses incurred during the election period.
NOMINATION PERIOD Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • 9:00am – Friday, September 11, 2026 • 4:00pm The period for candidates to submit their nominations to local election officials.
PRE-CAMPAIGN PERIOD Monday, July 20, 2026 – Friday, September 18, 2026 At the beginning of this period election advertising rules come into force and continue through General Voting Day.
CAMPAIGN PERIOD Saturday, September 19, 2026 – Saturday, October 17, 2026 The period that begins on the 28th before General Voting Day and ends at the close of voting on General Voting Day.
Candidate and third-party expense limits apply during this period.
ADVANCED POLL #1 Wednesday, October 7, 2026 8:00am - 8:00pm Location: Seniors Centre
ADVANCED POLL #2 Wednesday, October 14, 2026 8:00am - 8:00pm Location: Seniors Centre
GENERAL VOTING DAY Saturday, October 17, 2026 8:00am - 8:00pm Location: Laurie School Gymnasium Day where electors cast ballots and determine results of the election
CAMPAIGN FINANCING DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FILING DEADLINE Friday, January 15, 2027 Deadline to file campaign financing disclosure statements
CAMPAIGN FINANCING DISCLOSURE STATEMENT LATE FILING DEADLINE Monday, February 16, 2027 Final deadline to file campaign financing disclosure statements. Late filing before this deadline incurs a $500 late filing fee.
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Council Orientation Following the election, all members of Council must participate in a mandatory Council Orientation to further learn in-depth about the roles, responsibilities, and duties of Council. Orientation will cover all topics of the municipality and provide an introduction of Council to each City department function.
COUNCIL ORIENTATION CALENDAR Introduction Dinner Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Monday, November 2, 2026 • Inaugural Council Meeting
Day 1 Monday, October 26, 2026 • Foundational Governance Concepts
Monday, November 16, 2026 • Asset Management Training • City Facility Assessments
Day 2 Tuesday, October 27, 2026 • Role Clarity, Your Employment, Support and Procedures • Political Strength Presentations
Friday, November 20, 2026 • Governance Training with RDEK and the City of Kimberley Council
Swearing-In Ceremony
Monday, December 7, 2026 • Committee of the Whole Meeting Visit Cranbrook Strategic Planning • Organizational Council Meeting • Appoint Mayor and Councillors to Committees
Day 3 Wednesday, October 28, 2026 • Parliamentary Procedures • Planning, Public Hearings Day 4 Thursday, October 29, 2026 • Department Presentations • Tour of North Neighbourhood Day 5 Friday, October 30, 2026 • Finance 101 • Governance Structure • Boards and Committees
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Monday, November 23, 2026 • Regular Council Meeting
Monday, December 14, 2026 • Special Council Budget Meeting Monday, December 16, 2026 • Budget Meeting
2026 City of Cranbrook New Council Orientation Schedule (Summary Overview – Detailed information will be provided to you prior to each event)
Date
Event
Details
Time
Wednesday, October 21
Introduction Dinner
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Monday, October 26
Council Orientation Day 1
This dinner is a first get together for the seven newly elected members of Council (no guests) to get to know each other personally prior to the very packed schedule of orientation, training, and initial Council meetings for decision making. Information on parking for upcoming sessions, and small information packages to be provided at the dinner. Details on this private event to be provided to new Council members. Where: Council Chambers at City Hall, 40-10th Ave S
Tuesday, October 27
Council Orientation Day 2
Tuesday, October 27
Official Photos
What to know: This session is Role Clarity and Governance Training with Ian McCormack from Strategic Steps who is a recognized trainer of local government elected officials. Council will understand their role as elected leaders, the role of administration and how to work together effectively. Some staff will be joining parts of this training session and lunch will be provided (lunch provided for all sessions Oct 26th to 30th). Where: Council Chambers at City Hall, 40-10th Ave S
9:00am to 3:30pm
9:00am to 3:30pm
What to know: This session will begin with Council and the CAO to go over Council role clarity from the day before, in the Cranbrook context. Next, the Human Resources Team will begin the morning with "Your Employment" presentation and some key policies that are important to all Staff and Council, Council remuneration, the Council Code of Conduct and signing the Council and CAO covenants on conduct. After this session, various Staff will provide information on your staff support, office procedures, information technology (including iPad set up), media relations (and the Council email response policy and procedures), and meeting procedures. After the served lunch there will be two presentations to review political strength. One session in external relations with provincial and federal governments, and a second session as a Councillor for working with constituents locally. Where: Council Chambers at City Hall, 40-10th Ave S What to know: The evening will start off with a professional photographer who will take individual and group pictures for the website and ID badges. This will be your official Council Photograph so Dress your best! Bring your significant other and kids or up to 3 guests to see you have your pictures taken, then become a Councillor or Mayor for the next 4 years.
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5:00pm to 5:30pm
Council Orientation Schedule Tuesday, October 27
Swearing in Ceremony and Reception
Wednesday, October 28
Council Orientation Day 3
Thursday, October 29
Friday, October 30
Council Orientation Day 4
Council Orientation Day 5
Where: Council Chambers at City Hall, 40-10th Ave S
5:30pm to 7:30pm
What to know: The official ceremony and signing of Oaths of Office will be conducted by a Judge, followed by hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. This event is open to the public. Where: Council Chambers at City Hall, 40-10th Ave S
9:00am to 3:30pm
What to know: Lisa Zwarn, Parliamentary Training for the morning; room will be set up as the Council chambers. Lisa is going to do a half hour overview and then a mock council meeting. Basically; adopting an agenda, amendments, and subsequent amendments, putting together a motion, postpone to another meeting, conflict of interest, etc. as well as send to a committee, point of order (what it is), staff roles, public hearing, etc. As each of these pieces are completed, we will stop and talk about it. After lunch, while the room is still set up as a practice Council meeting, the Engineering and Development Team will provide a brief introduction on land use planning and Council’s role. This will include training and interactive practice with a public hearing at Council, which can be the most contentious and difficult public meeting for Council to control. Where: Council Chambers at City Hall, 40-10th Ave S
9:00am to 4:30pm
What to know: Presentations from the Departments to introduce the Directors and Managers and provide an overview of their core services. Council and select staff will embark on a bus tour to view the North part of town and some key areas that will be of Council's interest as part of the OCP-North Neighborhood plan area (from Wildstone to the McPhee Bridge area). Council will need to make some important decisions in the near future as the plan will be completed in 20262027. The tour will end with a stop at the construction site of the new Childcare Facility. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as there will be a little bit of walking and standing in addition to the lunch meeting (see the bus route map). Where: Council Chambers at City Hall, 40-10th Ave S What to know: The Finance Department will provide an information session on Finance 101. This session will provide you with some of the key information on Council’s role as we head into a new budget planning cycle right away; the new Council is launched into budget setting right after the election. Lunch will be served, and the day will finish off with an overview of the City's Governance Structure with boards and committees. Appointments to the various committees and boards will be reviewed to get you prepared for the Organizational Meeting on December 7th for setting appointments.
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9:00am to 2:00pm
Council Orientation Schedule Monday, November 2
Inaugural Council Meeting
Where: Council Chambers at City Hall, 40-10th Ave S
Monday, November 16
Asset Management Training
Where: Council Chambers at City Hall, 40-10th Ave S
City Facility Assessments
The presentation will provide a wide picture of the City's facilities, built on a decade of asset management and facility assessments that reviewed every building for life safety, accessibility, structural condition, envelope, mechanical and electrical systems and code compliance. The findings show renewal pressures emerging across the whole portfolio rather than at any single site; driven by aging mechanical and ventilation systems, life-safety and code items, accessibility and building envelopes. A meaningful share of that work is concentrated in the near term and with construction costs escalating well above CPI, deferral carries a real price. The ask is not to fund the backlog at once but to confirm priorities which will guide the budget process, advance critical and high-risk projects and develop a long-term funding strategy and funding models.
11:15am to 1:15pm
Governance Training for Cranbrook, Kimberley, and RDEK Elected Officials
Where: Kimberley Conference Center, 301 N Star Blvd, Kimberley, BC V1A 2Y9
8:30am to 5:00pm
Friday, November 20
Monday, November 23
Regular Council Meeting
6:00pm
What to know: This is your first official meeting as the new Council. 9:00am to 11:00am
What to know: This important training session is an introduction to Asset Management, how we manage our buildings, roads, pipes, equipment under a strategy for keeping costs low and ensuring operations. Asset Management acts as a roadmap, standardizing practices and provides the steps for continuous improvement. The strategy complements existing planning, budgeting and business processes and the session will highlight real life examples of being proactive rather than reactive. This training is important to understand a major component of reserve accounts and budgeting ahead of the quickly approaching budget meetings of Council.
What to know: This is a group training session with newly elected members of Council from Cranbrook, Kimberley and the RDEK and some senior staff to hear from one of the most respected voices in Cuff. His work is well known for helping local government, George Cuff Council’s understand their role clearly. helping Council’s understand their role clearly. provide his George conducted a review of Cranbrook City Hall and provided his repo rt (click here to read story) in 2020 that shaped the report (click here to read story) in 2020 improvement of Cranbrook City governance and operations with the report implementation since that time. The City has enjoyed a high functioning Council since this event; newly elected officials will benefit from George’s presentation proactively. Where: Council Chambers at City Hall, 40-10th Ave S
What to know: This is a Regular Council Meeting.
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6:00pm
Officials
some senior staff to hear from one of the most respected voices in local government, George Cuff. His work is well known for helping Council’s understand their role clearly. George conducted a review of Cranbrook City Hall and provided his report (click here to read story) in 2020 that shaped the improvement of Cranbrook City governance and operations with the report implementation since that time. The City has enjoyed a high functioning Council since this event; newly elected officials will benefit from George’s presentation proactively. Where: Council Chambers at City Hall, 40-10th Ave S
Council Orientation Schedule Monday, November 23
Monday, December 7
Regular Council Meeting Committee of the Whole
What to know: This is a Regular Council Meeting. Where: Council Chambers at City Hall, 40-10th Ave S
What to know: Visit Cranbrook has nearly completed their strategic plan. This session is to provide Council with an overview, and for their board to hear Council’s input on their strategic priorities for New Council Schedule Summary | Page 3 the future. Monday, Organizational Where: Council Chambers at City Hall, 40-10th Ave S December 7 Meeting What to know: In addition to being a Regular Council Meeting, this meeting is also the “Organizational Meeting”, where Council will set the Acting Mayor appointments. Council will also set the Regular Council meeting dates for 2027. Council will make appointments to various committees for the 2027 year. These appointments are only for Council Members. Public appointments to Committees/Boards will take place at the first Council meeting in January.
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6:00pm
12:00pm to 3:00pm OR 2:00pm to 5:00pm
6:00pm
Council Meeting Calendar 2026 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DATES Council Chambers June 8 Monday • 6:00 pm
June 22
January 12 January 26
July 13 July 27
February 9 February 23
September 21
March 9 March 23
November 2 • Inaugural meeting
April 13 April 27 May 11 May 25
October 5
November 23 December 7 • Organizational meeting
Resources & References CONTACTS
Sarann Press, Chief Elections Officer Phone (Toll-Free): 1-866-210-4373 Email: elections.officer@cranbrook.ca
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Mark Fercho, Chief Administrative Officer Phone: (250) 489-0211 Email: mark.fercho@cranbrook.ca
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Resources & References ONLINE RESOURCES City Website • https://cranbrook.ca/ City Election Information • https://cranbrook.ca/our-city/city-departments/corporate-services-1/elections-start/ Council Meeting Agendas & Minutes • https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/portal/ City Council Livestream • https://cranbrook.ca/livestream/ City Bylaws • https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/2/ City Policies & Procedures • .https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/59752/ Five-Year Financial Plan • https://cranbrook.ca/our-city/city-departments/finance/budget/ Strategic Plan (2020-2024) • .https://cranbrook.ca/our-city/2020-2024-strategic-plan/ Community Charter • https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/03026_10 Local Government Act • https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/r15001_00 Elections BC • https://elections.bc.ca/ • https://elections.bc.ca/local-elections/2026-general-local-elections/ • https://elections.bc.ca/local-elections/who-does-what/ • https://elections.bc.ca/local-elections/local-candidates/candidate-information/ • https://elections.bc.ca/local-elections/forms-and-guides/local-guides/ B.C. Government – General Local Elections • https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/ governance-powers/general-local-elections • https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/ governance-powers/general-local-elections/thinking-of-running • https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/ governance-powers/general-local-elections/running-for-local-office Association of Kootenay & Boundary Local Governments • https://akblg.ca/ Union of BC Municipalities • https://www.ubcm.ca/ Federation of Canadian Municipalities • https://fcm.ca/en 2021 Census Profile (Statistics Canada) • https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/search-recherche/ georesults-resultatsgeo.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=cranbrook Regional District of East Kootenay Board • https://www.rdek.bc.ca/about/board_of_directors/ Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board • https://kerhd.ca/board/
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