2026 Fernie Municipal Election All-Candidates Forum

October 7, 2026
#ferniesuccess, Business, Chamber News

From left to right: Wendy McDougall, Fernie Chamber of Commerce; Alleine Anselmo, Council Candidate; Josh Gawryluk, Council Candidate; Ted Shoesmith, Council Candidate; Harshan Ramadass, Mayoral Candidate; Joshua Sylkhuis, Council Candidate; Kathleen Dolan, Council Candidate; Kyle Hamilton, Mayoral Candidate; Scott Tibballs, Council Candidate; Reto Barrington, Council Candidate; Tracey Audia Kelly, Council Candidate; Phil Iddon, Council Candidate; Taylor Petrucha, Council Candidate; and Emily Brydon, Moderator.

On October 6, 2026, the Fernie Chamber of Commerce hosted the Fernie Municipal Election All-Candidates Forum in Traynor Hall at Fernie Secondary School.

All 10 candidates running for Fernie City Council were in attendance:

  • Alleine Anselmo
  • Tracey Audia Kelly
  • Reto Barrington
  • Kathleen Dolan
  • Josh Gawryluk
  • Phil Iddon
  • Taylor Petrucha
  • Ted Shoesmith
  • Joshua Sylkhuis
  • Scott Tibballs

 

Both candidates running for Mayor were also in attendance:

  • Kyle Hamilton
  • Harshan Ramadass

 

The forum drew approximately 250 attendees, providing an opportunity for members of the community to hear directly from the candidates, learn more about their perspectives on key local issues, and participate in an important conversation about the future of Fernie. Candidates responded to questions submitted to the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, as well as additional questions collected from attendees during the forum for the Mayoral candidates.

 

If you were unable to attend the forum in person, you can watch the recorded event below:

OCTOBER 6, 2026 – FERNIE MUNICIPAL ELECTION ALL CANDIDATES FORUM

 

Advanced voting will take place on October 7 and October 14, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with general voting day taking place on October 17, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.; all voting will be held at the Senior Citizens Drop-in Centre. For complete information about the 2026 Municipal Election, including voting information and requirements, please visit the City of Fernie’s 2026 Election page.

Natasha Pierce Administrator