B.C. could soon be looking at four year terms for all councillors as well as regional directors.New legislation which is expected to be passed soon would have B.C. joining the other provinces in Canada in having four year terms for those in municipal office.The next election for Grand Forks council, as well as councils and regional districts across B.C., is set for Nov. 15. The new four year terms, which adds one more year to the current three year term, would be in effect for the next set of councillors.The 2014 municipal election throughout B.C. will be the introduction of the four year term, said coun. Cher Wyers. ìThe province has released a white paper on election reform on Aug. 27. It came out at UBCM (Union of British Columbia Municipalities). There were discussions there in September (2013) in Vancouver. Following that, there was more input received from local governments around the province.Wyers attended the AKBLG (Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments), which is a group consisting of councillors, mayors, regional directors and other local government types, in January in Cranbrook. She said that Coralee Oakes, minister of community, sport and cultural development, attended that meeting where she sought input from local governments on issues and concerns on election reform including campaign funds.They’re looking at having tighter restrictions, said Wyers. This all has to be legislated through Victoria, of course. The budget comes out in April so it’s a tight timeline. You should see it coming through the legislature pretty soon.Wyers said the four year term was passed at UBCM in September.She says there are many benefits for going from three years to four years.Three years goes pretty fast,î she said. ìIf you’re a newly elected official, those first two years are primarily learning, listening, catching up with what’s going on. This will add longevity and more continuity (for councils). (Currently), you just get into the process and year three you’re working into an election.She said the four years will also councils to complete more projects.There’s also the cost factor,î said Wyers. ìYou’re stretching it out now for four years instead of three. Elections cost money to put on.îAlso on the docket for election reform is a move for the election date.We were also looking at moving the election date from November to October,î she added. But that wouldn’t happen until 2018. The reason behind that is they feel they’ll get more of a turnout by having an earlier timeline for the snowbirds who go away for the winter.

Grand Forks Gazette