Beyond the Ballot: What Powell River Needs from Its Next Council

As Powell River prepares to head to the polls on October 17th, Aaron Reid wraps up Season 4 of Coastal Currents with a personal reflection on the 2026 municipal election, the challenges facing our community, and the kind of leadership we'll need over the next four years.

Drawing on her experience as a former school trustee and Chair of the Board of Education, along with her perspective as a local resident, parent, and small business owner, Aaron explores the difference between campaigning and governing — and why the ability to work together matters just as much as campaign promises.

In this episode, Aaron discusses:

• The importance of respectful, collaborative leadership around the council table.

• Property taxes, aging infrastructure, economic development, and rebuilding Powell River's commercial and industrial tax base.

• Making Powell River a community where young people and families can build their futures.

• The lack of safe, welcoming gathering places for teenagers and nightlife opportunities for young adults.

• Affordable and accessible housing for people at every stage of life.

• Seniors housing, long-term care, and the importance of municipal advocacy.

• Homelessness, addiction, community safety, and accountability.

• The proposed City name change, reconciliation, and the need for respectful community dialogue.

• What voters should consider when evaluating candidates for public office.

This isn't an endorsement of any candidate. It's an invitation to think about what we expect from the people we elect, the responsibilities of local government, and the kind of community we want Powell River to become.

As this special municipal election series comes to a close, Aaron encourages listeners to look beyond campaign signs and social media debates, take the time to make informed choices, and remember that our responsibility as citizens doesn't end when the ballots are counted.

General Voting Day: Saturday, October 17, 2026

If you haven't already, be sure to listen to the four mayoral candidate interviews featured throughout Season 4.

Because the election determines who sits at the council table — but what happens around that table will shape our community's future.

Coastal Currents with Aaron Reid — Conversations from the Coast.

Season 4 | Rob Southcott: 2026 Mayoral Candidate Interview

Rob Southcott is one of four candidates seeking to become the next Mayor of the City of Powell River.

Rob grew up in Cranberry and returned to Powell River in 2006. He spent thirty-two years with BC Ambulance, including serving locally as Station Chief, and has served three terms on Powell River City Council. He has also been involved with community organizations working in health care, housing, emergency planning, sustainability and land conservation.

In this one-on-one conversation, we discuss why Rob is running for Mayor, his approach to leadership and how he would encourage cooperation around the Council table.

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

Questions specific to Rob ask him to reflect on his record over three terms on Council and identify a decision or accomplishment he is proud of and something he would handle differently. He is also asked to name one joint initiative he would invite Tla’amin Nation to explore during his first year as Mayor and the concrete benefit each community should expect from it.

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

• Rob Southcott’s campaign website

• Rob Southcott on Facebook

• Rob Southcott’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.

Season 4 | Jim Palm: 2026 Mayoral Candidate Interview

Jim Palm is one of four candidates seeking to become the next Mayor of the City of Powell River.

Jim has called Powell River home since 1984. He spent forty years working with local students as a teacher, counsellor and career-education advocate and has served five terms on Powell River City Council.

In this one-on-one conversation, we discuss why Jim is running for Mayor, his approach to leadership and how he would work with independently elected councillors who may have sharply different priorities.

The interview also addresses affordability, property taxes, rebuilding the commercial tax base, 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 Jim ask him to account for his record over five terms on Council, including an accomplishment and something he would handle differently, and explain what he believes would change if voters moved him from a councillor’s seat to the Mayor’s chair.

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

• Jim Palm’s campaign website

• Jim Palm’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.

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.

Season 4 | George Doubt: 2026 Mayoral Candidate Interview

George Doubt is one of four candidates seeking to become the next Mayor of the City of Powell River.

George has served eight years on Powell River City Council and six years on the qathet Regional District Board. Before retiring, he spent seventeen years in elected leadership with the Telecommunications Workers Union, including six years as National President. He has also served as a pension trustee and on corporate boards.

In this one-on-one conversation, we discuss why George is running for Mayor, his leadership style and how he would work toward a more functional and collaborative Council.

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 George ask him to look back on his eight years on Council, identify both an accomplishment and something he would handle differently, and explain what he believes he could accomplish as Mayor that he has not been able to accomplish as a councillor.

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

George Doubt’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.

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.