Castlegar hosting West Kootenay candidate clinic leading up to 2026 elections

Candidate Readiness Workshop will take place Aug. 18

Castlegar hosting West Kootenay candidate clinic leading up to 2026 elections Published 5:35 am Friday, July 17, 2026 With local government elections scheduled across the province on Oct. 17, West Kootenay residents have the opportunity to attend a workshop to help them prepare for a possible candidacy. The cities of Castlegar, Trail, Rossland, Nelson, and the Village of Fruitvale are partnering together to provide a free Candidate Readiness Workshop. The workshop aims to encourage and prepare residents who may be considering running for elected office.

Facilitated by local government leadership expert Christina Benty, the session will provide practical insight into the realities of local government, the responsibilities of elected officials and the skills needed to lead effectively. Benty is a former mayor of the Town of Golden and a leadership consultant with more than 25 years of experience in governance, organizational leadership, and community engagement. She has served on numerous boards and worked extensively with local governments and organizations across Canada.

Benty believes that effective local government depends on knowledgeable candidates, engaged citizens and elected officials who understand how governance systems work. Her workshops are designed to help participants move beyond opinions and gain a practical understanding of how local governments make decisions, deliver services and plan for the future. Workshop topics include: • The roles and responsibilities of local elected officials • What to consider before running for office • Effective leadership and decision-making • Governance and working within local government systems • Long-term community sustainability and collaboration •

The attributes that contribute to successful local leadership • How local government services impact residents’ everyday lives. “Local government works best when people with diverse experiences, perspectives and skills step forward to serve,” says Bree Seabrook, Director of Corporate Services for the City of Castlegar. “If you’ve ever wondered whether running for office might be right for you, this workshop is a great place to start.

We hope to inspire residents from across the region to learn more about local government, explore the opportunities and challenges of public service, and consider how they can help shape the future of their communities.” The workshop will take place in the Selkirk Room of the Castlegar & District Community Complex on Tuesday, August 18 at 6 p.m. Live streaming will also be available, go to castlegar.ca/workshop for more details.