Coastal Currents with Aaron Reid

Season 4, Episode 1 | Powell River Votes 2026: Meet the Mayoral Candidates

Four candidates. Four conversations. One important decision for Powell River.

Season 4 of Coastal Currents begins with a special series focused on the 2026 City of Powell River mayoral election.

In this introductory episode, I explain what listeners can expect from my one-on-one interviews with the four candidates for Mayor:

• George Doubt

• Jan Gisborne

• Jim Palm

• Rob Southcott

These conversations are intended to move beyond campaign signs, social-media posts and short sound bites. Each candidate will have an opportunity to explain their priorities, their approach to leadership and the direction they believe Powell River should take.

About the interview format

Every candidate will be asked the same core questions, along with two questions tailored to that candidate’s experience, public record or campaign.

The candidates have not been given the questions in advance. Each interview follows the same general format and provides a comparable amount of time.

Some questions were inspired by suggestions received from people in the community, including a local Grade 5 and 6 class. Final decisions about the questions and interview format were made by me.

The interviews may be edited for sound quality, clarity and flow. Repeated words, long pauses or technical interruptions may be cleaned up, but the substance of a candidate’s answers will not be altered or rearranged to change their meaning.

Topics will include:

• Why each candidate decided to run for Mayor

• Leadership and rebuilding unity around the Council table

• Affordability, property taxes and the City’s commercial tax base

• Economic development and infrastructure

• Housing for young adults, families, people with diversabilities and seniors

• Long-term care, supportive housing and advocacy for seniors

• Homelessness, substance use and community safety

• The City’s relationship with Tla’amin Nation

• How the request to change the City’s name should be addressed

• Making Powell River a place where young people and families want to stay

• Municipal bylaws concerning domestic animals

• Two additional questions specific to each candidate

This series is not an endorsement of any candidate. Its purpose is to give each person seeking the Mayor’s chair room to answer meaningful questions in their own words—and to help voters make their own informed decision.

Voting information

Advance voting takes place on:

• Wednesday, October 7

• Saturday, October 10

• Wednesday, October 14

General Voting Day is Saturday, October 17, 2026.

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