CSRD Electoral Area E Election 2026: What Local Businesses Should Know
Malakwa, Swansea Point and Rural Sicamous have a voice—and a vote—in the 2026 CSRD election.
While much of the attention during election season is focused on municipal elections, businesses and residents outside the District of Sicamous are also heading to the polls this October.
For the Sicamous & District Chamber of Commerce, this election matters because our business community extends beyond municipal boundaries into Malakwa, Swansea Point and Rural Sicamous, all of which are part of CSRD Electoral Area E.
On October 17, 2026, voters in Electoral Area E will choose their Regional District Director for the next four-year term.
Who is running for Electoral Area E?
Following the close of nominations on September 11, the CSRD declared three candidates for Electoral Area E:
- John Flynn
- Rhona Martin
- Norm Nelson
Because there is more than one qualified candidate, an election will be held. The Electoral Area Director will serve a four-year term on the CSRD Board, ending in October 2030.
View the official CSRD Declaration of Candidates
Why does the CSRD matter to business?
For businesses in Malakwa, Swansea Point and Rural Sicamous, the CSRD has an important role in the services, infrastructure and policies that affect our communities.
The Regional District Board makes decisions that can influence everything from regional services and infrastructure to community facilities, emergency services, recreation and long-term planning.
For local businesses, the question isn’t simply “Who should I vote for?”
It is also:
“What does our community need from its Regional District representative over the next four years?”
Business Issues to Watch in Electoral Area E
- Infrastructure & Community Services
Reliable infrastructure and essential services are fundamental to a healthy local economy.
Businesses depend on roads, transportation networks, waste management, emergency services and other regional services to operate effectively.
Ask candidates:
What are your priorities for infrastructure and essential services in Electoral Area E, and how will you ensure our rural communities receive appropriate investment?
- Supporting Rural Business & Economic Development
Malakwa, Swansea Point and Rural Sicamous have a diverse mix of businesses, from tourism and recreation to trades, agriculture, transportation and home-based businesses.
Rural businesses can face different challenges than businesses located within an incorporated municipality.
What can the CSRD do to encourage investment, support existing businesses and make it easier to operate a business in rural communities?
- Cost of Services & Property Taxes
Regional services come with a cost, and property taxes are an important consideration for both residents and businesses.
The next four years will involve decisions about how services are funded, where resources are directed and what priorities should come first.
A worthwhile question for candidates is:
How will you balance maintaining and improving services with keeping the cost of government manageable for taxpayers and businesses?
- Community Halls & Local Economic Activity
One of the issues appearing directly on the October ballot in parts of Electoral Area E is funding for two important community facilities: the Malakwa Community Learning Centre and Cambie Hall.
The CSRD has approved separate assent votes that would establish annual financial contributions toward the operation, maintenance and long-term sustainability of these facilities.
If approved, the maximum annual contribution would be:
Malakwa Learning Centre: up to $81,600
Cambie Hall: up to $15,300
Only properties within the designated service areas would be subject to the respective taxation.
These facilities are more than gathering places. The CSRD describes them as community hubs used for social, recreational, economic and public safety activities.
For businesses, strong community facilities can contribute to community connection, events, local activity and the overall attractiveness of an area.
If you live or own property in one of the affected service areas, make sure you understand the question before you vote.
The CSRD has an interactive mapping tool that allows Electoral Area E residents to check whether their property falls within either service area.
Learn More About the Electoral Area E Community Hall Assent Votes
- Tourism & Recreation
Sicamous, Swansea Point and the surrounding rural areas are closely connected through tourism, recreation and the Shuswap’s outdoor economy.
Businesses benefit when visitors have reasons to stay longer, explore the region and return.
Ask candidates:
What role should the CSRD play in supporting tourism, recreation and regional economic opportunities?
- Emergency Preparedness & Resiliency
Wildfire, flooding, extreme weather and other emergencies are realities for rural communities.
Emergency preparedness, evacuation planning, infrastructure resiliency and communication can have a direct impact on businesses and their ability to remain operational during an emergency.
What are your priorities for emergency preparedness and community resiliency in Electoral Area E?
Two Important Votes for Some Area E Residents
This election isn’t only about choosing a Regional District Director.
Eligible voters in specific parts of Electoral Area E will also be asked to vote on the two community hall assent questions.
The Malakwa Learning Centre and Cambie Hall proposals have separate service areas and separate tax implications. Not every Electoral Area E property will be included in both—or either—service area.
The CSRD provides examples of the maximum annual property tax based on assessed value:
Assessed Property Value | Malakwa Learning Centre | Cambie Hall |
$250,000 | $120.50 | $35.25 |
$450,000 | $216.90 | $63.45 |
$650,000 | $313.30 | $91.65 |
These are maximum annual amounts based on the CSRD’s proposed taxation formulas, and eligibility depends on whether the property falls within the applicable service area.
When Can You Vote?
Advance Voting:
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
General Voting Day:
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Mail-in ballots will also be available to eligible voters.
For specific voting locations, eligibility requirements and identification requirements, voters should refer to the CSRD’s official election information.
Get Informed. Ask Questions. Make Your Voice Heard.
The Sicamous & District Chamber of Commerce does not endorse individual candidates.
Our role is to advocate for a strong and healthy business environment across the communities we represent—including Sicamous, Malakwa and Swansea Point.
We encourage our members to learn about the candidates, ask questions about the issues that affect their businesses and communities, and take the time to vote.
The decisions made over the next four years will help shape the future of Electoral Area E.
Your business. Your community. Your vote.
Helpful Election Resources
CSRD – Official Declaration of Candidates
