Voters across British Columbia opted for political shifts during the recent municipal elections, unseating incumbents in the province's largest cities. The results, finalized on October 17, 2026, saw significant leadership changes in Vancouver and Surrey as residents expressed an appetite for new directions.

Major shifts in Vancouver and Surrey

In Vancouver, Pete Fry unseated incumbent Ken Sim to become the first Green Party candidate elected to lead the city. Fry, a former two-time councillor, stated his upcoming priorities include community safety, financial transparency, and affordable housing.

In Surrey, the election resulted in a rematch of the 2022 contest. Doug McCallum, 82, secured another term by defeating incumbent Brenda Locke. This follows a previous term for McCallum that was interrupted when Locke won the office four years prior.

What other B.C. cities decided?

Beyond the province's two largest hubs, several other municipalities saw leadership changes or re-elections:

  • Richmond: Rob Howard was elected as the city's new mayor, marking the first change in that office in 25 years.
  • Victoria: Marianne Alto was re-elected for a second consecutive term.
  • Various Cities: Challengers won mayoral races in West Vancouver, New Westminster, Prince George, Kamloops, Langley, Penticton, and Fort St. John.

B.C. municipal election results and reactions

Following the announcement of the results, outgoing Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim offered a graceful concession. Sim noted that voters appeared to want a different direction for the mayor's office and the various boards. He stated, “Pete has my unwavering support so he can succeed and so Vancouver can succeed.”

In Richmond, Howard secured his victory with 19,676 votes, narrowly defeating Alexa Loo, who received 18,796 votes. Kash Heed finished the race in third place with 11,111 votes.

FAQ

Who is the new mayor of Vancouver?

Pete Fry, a candidate with the Green Party, was elected to lead Vancouver after defeating the incumbent.

Did any incumbents win their seats?

Yes, Marianne Alto was re-elected as the mayor of Victoria, and Doug McCallum returned to office in Surrey.