Sicamous Municipal Election 2026: What Does It Mean for Local Business?
Your vote helps shape the business environment in Sicamous for the next four years.
The 2026 General Local Election is approaching, and this is an important opportunity for the Sicamous business community to think about the kind of community—and business environment—we want to build.
On October 17, 2026, voters will elect one Mayor, six Councillors and one School Trustee. Advance voting is available October 7.
The District has now released its official Declaration of Candidates, giving voters the opportunity to learn more about those seeking office.
At the Sicamous & District Chamber of Commerce, we believe a strong local economy requires collaboration between businesses, residents, Council and community organizations. Municipal decisions can have a very real impact on the businesses that employ our neighbours, provide local services and help attract visitors and investment to our community.
Business Issues to Watch in This Election
This election is a good opportunity for business owners and employers to ask candidates about the issues that matter to the local economy.
1. Economic Growth & Business Development
Sicamous has opportunities to grow, but growth needs to be thoughtful and sustainable.
Ask candidates:
What is your vision for economic development in Sicamous, and how will you support both existing businesses and new investment?
Council plays an important role in setting the direction for community development through bylaws, policies and resolutions.
2. Infrastructure & Development
Businesses need reliable infrastructure to operate and grow.
Roads, water, sewer, transportation, development capacity and other municipal infrastructure all have economic consequences. Businesses should be asking candidates how they plan to balance infrastructure investment, community growth and affordability.
Is our infrastructure keeping pace with the community we want to become?
3. Taxes, Fees & the Cost of Doing Business
For small businesses, every additional cost matters.
Municipal taxation, utility costs, fees and regulatory requirements all contribute to the overall cost of operating a business.
Candidates should be prepared to explain how they would approach municipal spending and taxation while still maintaining the infrastructure and services our community needs.
How do we keep Sicamous financially sustainable without making it unnecessarily difficult to operate a business here?
4. Red Tape & Efficient Approvals
For a small business or developer, time is money.
Permitting, development approvals, bylaws and municipal processes can have a significant effect on whether a project moves forward quickly—or gets delayed.
A good question for candidates is:
What can the District do to make it easier and more predictable for businesses to navigate municipal processes?
5. Tourism & Our Visitor Economy
Tourism is fundamental to Sicamous.
Our restaurants, accommodations, retailers, recreation businesses, marinas, tour operators and other visitor-focused businesses depend on people choosing Sicamous as a destination.
That means municipal decisions around public spaces, infrastructure, events, transportation, waterfront areas and community amenities can all contribute to the visitor experience.
What is your vision for Sicamous as a tourism destination five and ten years from now?
6. Housing & Workforce
Businesses cannot grow without people to fill the jobs.
Access to housing is increasingly connected to the ability of local businesses to recruit and retain employees. As Sicamous grows, Council will face decisions around development, housing options and community services that can influence the availability and affordability of housing.
How will Council support growth while creating a community where employees can afford to live and work?
7. Collaboration with Business
Perhaps most importantly, businesses want to be part of the conversation.
The Chamber’s role is to advocate for a healthy business environment and provide a voice for the local business community. Strong communication between Council, the Chamber and local businesses can help identify problems early and create better solutions.
How will you engage with the business community before making decisions that affect local businesses?
This Election Is About More Than Politics
Municipal government is where many of the decisions that directly affect our daily lives and businesses are made.
The District itself describes the next four years as a period in which decisions will help shape Sicamous for generations.
For business owners, that means this election is an opportunity to think beyond individual issues and consider the bigger picture:
What kind of business community do we want Sicamous to have four years from now?
Do we want to make it easier to start and grow a business?
Do we want to attract new investment while supporting the businesses already here?
Do we want infrastructure and services that support growth?
Do we want a strong tourism economy?
And how do we accomplish those things while maintaining the character and affordability of our community?
These are questions worth asking every candidate.
Get Informed. Ask Questions. Vote.
The Sicamous & District Chamber of Commerce does not endorse individual candidates. Our role is to advocate for a strong local economy and encourage informed participation in our community.
We encourage every business owner, employer and resident to learn about the candidates, ask questions and make their vote count.
The District has provided candidate and election information online, and the Chamber will also be providing opportunities for the community to hear directly from candidates.
Key Election Dates
Advance Voting:
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
General Voting Day:
Saturday, October 17, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Voting Location:
Sek’emaws (Sicamous) Health Centre
200 Main Street
There is no need to pre-register. Eligible voters are registered when they attend the voting place. Mail ballot voting is also available.
Find Election Information
District of Sicamous – Voter Information
District of Sicamous – Declaration of Candidates
District of Sicamous – Election Information
The future of Sicamous is a community conversation—and local businesses should be part of it.
