Coastal Currents with Aaron Reid

Season 4 | Jan Gisborne: 2026 Mayoral Candidate Interview

Jan Gisborne is one of four candidates seeking to become the next Mayor of the City of Powell River.

Jan has lived in the Powell River area for forty years and has been involved with numerous community organizations. She spent twenty-five years working for the federal government as a Canada Customs Inspector and has been active with Rotary for more than two decades, including serving as District Governor of Rotary District 5040.

In this one-on-one conversation, we discuss why Jan is running for Mayor, the experience she believes has prepared her for the role and how she would build relationships around the Council table and throughout the community.

The interview also addresses affordability, property taxes, economic development, infrastructure, housing, seniors’ needs, community safety, the City’s relationship with Tla’amin Nation, the unresolved question of the City’s name, opportunities for young people and families, and municipal bylaws concerning domestic animals.

Questions specific to Jan address concerns some residents have about electing a Mayor who lives outside City boundaries—although her legal eligibility is not in question—and ask how she would turn senior-government lobbying into a specific commitment and measurable first-year result.

About this series

All four mayoral candidates were asked the same core questions, along with two questions specific to their experience, record or campaign. The candidates did not receive the questions in advance and were provided comparable interview time.

Interviews may be edited for sound quality, clarity and flow, but the substance of a candidate’s answers is not altered or rearranged to change its meaning.

Listeners are encouraged to hear all four conversations before deciding which candidate they support.

Voting information

Advance voting takes place October 7, 10 and 14. General Voting Day is Saturday, October 17, 2026.

For voting locations, eligibility requirements and mail-ballot information, visit the City of Powell River’s official election page.

Candidate information

Jan Gisborne’s official City candidate profile

This independently produced series is not an endorsement and is not authorized, sponsored or paid for by any candidate or campaign.