Issues for Castlegar
Where do candidates stand on environment and climate?
To find out more, we sent all Castlegar candidates a questionnaire on these topics.
Why? Because climate change and environmental issues affect all of us and all the things we care about – our health and well being, our pocket books and our future. In Castlegar, we are regularly experiencing climate impacts here like extreme heat, flooding, wildfires, and smoke.
The community we build together reflects what we value and shapes how we connect with one another and with the natural world around us. Municipal government plays a vital role in putting those values into practice through decisions about how we build, move around, and care for one another and the spaces we share.
These decisions can make us more resilient to climate change while also reducing climate pollution. City policies keep us healthy and safe by improving things like walking and cycling infrastructure, protecting our natural environment, and keeping our air and water clean.
The upcoming local election is critical. Who we elect for the next 4 years will shape the future of our community for decades to come.
Click the Candidates tab to see each candidate’s page to learn more about who is running and their views on these important issues. Please take some time to get familiar with their views. And most importantly, vote! You can find voting details in the Vote tab.
Thank you to all the candidates who participated!
What about other issues?
We know there are many issues that are important to Castlegar folks.
- Find interviews with candidates in the Meet the Candidates series in the Castlegar News: castlegarnews.com/category/news/elections/
- Ask a question at the All Candidates Forum, hosted by Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce, October 8, 6-8:30 pm at the Sandman Hotel
More resources:
- Castlegar’s Official Community Plan: Our Way to 2033
- City of Castlegar 100% Renewable Energy Commitment and Progress
Learn more about the West Kootenay Climate Hub: westkootenayclimatehub.ca/
Policy commitments for Castlegar
Summary of candidates' policy commitments, grouped by category. Click on each candidate's name to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
| Candidate | Total | Buildings | Climate Justice | Ecosystems | Land Use | Transport | Watersheds | Zero Waste |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates for Mayor | ||||||||
| Brian Bogle | 0/17 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Susan Heaton-Sherstobitoff | 15/17 | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ |
| Donald Pharand | 15/17 | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Candidates for Council | ||||||||
| Darcy Bell | 14/17 | ✓ | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ |
| Sandy Bojechko | 17/17 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chance Boruck | 15/17 | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ |
| Shirley Falstead | 17/17 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heather Fancy | 0/17 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Miguel Godau | 14/17 | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ |
| Cherryl MacLeod | 0/17 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Gordon Malcolm | 16/17 | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Merrick Zemp | 15/17 | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Candidates for Castlegar
Click on each candidate's profile to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
Candidates for Mayor
Brian Bogle
Mayor DID NOT RESPOND
Susan Heaton-Sherstobitoff
Mayor
Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff is a longtime Castlegar community leader & councillor with 15 yrs at the council table.Running for mayor, Sue brings experience, fiscal responsibility & commitment to listening, bringing people together and building community
Donald Pharand
Mayor
I'm an 81 year-old longtime public safety, social, environmental activist from Grand Forks. Active since the age of 17. I live in a forest cottage west of Grand Forks and manage as best I can the dying giant fir trees around me.
Candidates for Council
Darcy Bell
Council
I moved to Castlegar in 2012 with my wife, Amy, and our two daughters. I work locally at Kalesnikoff Mass Timber and have served on Castlegar City Council for the past four years, while staying active in our community.
Sandy Bojechko
Council
I have lived in Castlegar for 40 years and have raised my family here. I am a timekeeper for the Castlegar Rebels and volunteer when available for other organizations. I have served one term on Castlegar City council and look forward to another term.
Chance Boruck
Council
Born and raised in the Kootenays, I now work in the non-profit sector supporting families in our community. I’m running for Council to help build a more affordable, connected and resilient Castlegar where residents and businesses can thrive.
Shirley Falstead
Council
I was elected to Castlegar City Council in 2022. My business experience includes operating a grain and cattle farm in Saskatchewan and Spruce River Research, a company which focused on economic development initiatives in northern Saskatchewan.
Heather Fancy
Council DID NOT RESPOND
Miguel Godau
Council
Community engagement has always been important to me. I believe meaningful progress comes through relationships, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making our communities stronger. This philosophy has guided me personally and professionally.
Cherryl MacLeod
Council DID NOT RESPOND
Gordon Malcolm
Council
Served on various community boards since arriving in Castlegar. Love the outdoors and the area we live in. Currently serving on a local Rotary board who are very environmentally aware.
Merrick Zemp
Council
Raised in Cranbrook, Merrick Zemp has called the Kootenays home for most of his life, living in Castlegar for 20 years. An industrial supervisor with 25 years of experience, he brings proven leadership, coaching, and practical problem-solving.
How to vote
On October 17, 2026, Castlegar voters will elect a Mayor and 6 Councillors.
Are you registered to vote?
Find out more about how, where, and when to vote: castlegar.ca/government/your-government/elections/
Voting tip
When you vote, only vote for the candidates you want elected. If that is one mayor and five councillors, only put down those names. For council, the top candidates with the most votes are elected, so if you vote for someone that you don't really want elected, that may bump your preferred candidates off the list.
Voting opportunities
| Date | Type | Location | Start time | End time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | Advanced Voting Day | Castlegar & District Community Complex, 2101 6th Avenue, Castlegar | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Advanced Voting Day | Castlegar & District Community Complex, 2101 6th Avenue, Castlegar | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Castlegar & District Community Complex, 2101 6th Avenue, Castlegar | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
Compiled & presented by
Vote4Tomorrow is an independent voter guide to evaluate where local candidates stand on climate and environmental policies that will affect our future.