'Looking for a change': Fort Nelson mayor eager for B.C. election

'Looking for a change': Fort Nelson mayor eager for B.C. election

Veteran municipal leader Rob Fraser says NDP government unresponsive to local concerns in northeastern B.C.

A municipal leader in northeastern B.C. says he’s "looking for a change of government” as the snap provincial election draws near.

Rob Fraser was acclaimed for a second term as mayor of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, which includes the town of Fort Nelson.

The veteran municipal leader previously served for 20 years as a mayor and councillor in the District of Taylor, near Fort St. John.

He says the current NDP government has been unresponsive to local concerns and reluctant to involve municipalities in decision making.

"It concerns me the way they consult with everybody," said Fraser.

"I call it the 'dad' principle: They decide, they advise and then they defend. It's been tough for 10 years."

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The NDP has been criticized for calling a snap provincial election in late September, despite the pleas of B.C. municipalities.

The decision created a rare overlap with municipal elections that ended Saturday, which candidates say has confused and overwhelmed voters.

Delegates at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention passed an emergency resolution calling on the government to make any provincial election completely separate from the municipal election season.

Overlapping elections in B.C. causing confusion: candidates

Municipal and provincial elections at the same time in B.C.? Local politicians argue that's a bad idea

Fort Nelson has struggled in recent years through major wildfires and a downturn in natural resource sectors including forestry and natural gas. (Fort Nelson Chamber of Commerce)

Closer to home, Fraser has been calling on the government to release findings of an investigation into the Parker Lake wildfire, which forced the evacuation of more than 3,000 people in 2024.

Fraser says the community is also working to diversify its economy, which has traditionally centred around forestry and natural gas.

That includes increasing food production and tourism, while pushing the province for railway upgrades needed to support the municipality's community forest partnership with Fort Nelson First Nation, and help transform the town into a northern transportation hub.

Peace River North voters facing limited provincial political choices

The riding of Peace River North, which includes Fort Nelson, is the only riding in B.C. without an NDP candidate on the ballot.

Fraser says whoever forms the next government needs to close the distance between his community and Victoria.

"We're just looking for them to recognize that we're here," said Fraser.

"We're the furthest community away from Victoria and it feels like it."

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Incumbent councillors Brenda Enax and Danny Soles were re-elected Saturday, as was Kim Eglinski, who previously served on council prior to 2022. Bruce Deinstadt and Melinda Belleau were also elected.

Fraser believes the new council can make a difference for his community. But he says the next provincial government needs to be willing to listen and work closely with them.

"If it doesn't [change], well, we'll just have to keep struggling and trying to get our points across."

Provincial election day is Oct. 24.

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Matt Preprost is a reporter with CBC British Columbia based in Fort St. John. He has covered the B.C Peace region and Northern Rockies since 2013. Email him at fsj@cbc.ca