West Kootenay Communities Partner to Inspire Future Local Leaders
With local government elections scheduled for October 17, 2026, the City of Castlegar, City of Trail, City of Rossland, City of Nelson, and the Village of Fruitvale are inviting residents from across the West Kootenay to explore what it takes to serve their communities through a free Candidate Readiness Workshop on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
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.
Event Details
Candidate Readiness Workshop (Free)
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Selkirk Room, Castlegar & District Community Complex, 2101 6th Avenue, Castlegar
Online: Livestream available
Information & Livestream Details: castlegar.ca/workshop
Workshop Topics
- 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; and
- 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.”
During the workshop, participants will learn about the role of local government, the responsibilities of elected officials, leadership and decision-making, and key considerations for anyone thinking about running for office.
The workshop will be offered both in person and online, and light refreshments will be available to in-person attendees.
This free workshop is sponsored by the City of Castlegar, City of Trail, City of Rossland, City of Nelson, and the Village of Fruitvale.
Backgrounder
CANDIDATE READINESS WORKSHOP FACILITATOR: CHRISTINA BENTY
Christina 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 throughout British Columbia and Canada.
Passionate about developing strong local leaders, 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.
The Candidate Readiness Workshop is designed to help prospective candidates better understand the realities of elected office and the important role local government plays in shaping communities. The interactive session explores practical leadership skills, governance responsibilities and the considerations involved in seeking elected office.
The workshop is intended for residents considering a run for local office in the October 17, 2026, local government election, as well as those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of public service, governance and community leadership.
Corporate Services