British Columbia general local government elections are held every four years, including the elections for the offices of School District Trustees. The next local government election general voting day is October 17, 2026.

Board Composition:

The Board of Education of School District No. 71 (Comox Valley) is comprised of 7 Trustees, covering six areas in the Comox Valley. Further information can be found in the Board’s Trustee Electoral Bylaw

Trustee Electoral Areas

Comox Valley Schools (School District 71) is represented by seven elected trustees from across the district.

Trustees are elected to represent the following areas:

• City of Courtenay: 2 trustees (one of two candidates acclaimed)
• Town of Comox: 1 trustee (candidate acclaimed)
• Village of Cumberland: 1 trustee (candidate acclaimed)
• Electoral Area A: 1 trustee (Baynes Sound, Hornby & Denman Islands) (candidate acclaimed)
• Electoral Area B: 1 trustee (Lazo North) (candidate acclaimed)
• Electoral Area C: 1 trustee (Puntledge – Black Creek) (candidate acclaimed)

Each trustee represents the interests of all students and the entire school district, while also bringing the perspectives of their local communities to the Board table.

All candidates aside from the City of Courtenay’s Trustee Electoral Area 1 have been acclaimed.

There are several ways to vote in the 2026 local government election for the City of Courtenay. Choose the option that works best for you.

Advance Voting:

• Wednesday, October 7, 2026
  8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Ave
• Wednesday, October 14, 2026
  8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Ave

General Voting Day:

• Saturday, October 17, 2026
  8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Queneesh Elementary School, 2345 Mission Rd
  • Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Ave

Voters may attend either location. All voters are welcome to vote early at advance voting opportunities. The City of Courtenay does not mail voter information cards. More information is available here: https://www.courtenay.ca/city-hall/mayor-and-council/elections

Key Election Dates

The following dates are subject to confirmation by local Chief Election Officers.

Date	Event
August 26, 2026	Candidate Information Session
September 1-11, 2026	Nomination Period
September 11, 2026	Declaration of Candidates
September 18, 2026	Candidate Withdraw Deadline
October 17, 2026	General Local Election
October 27, 2026	Oath of Office Ceremony
November 10, 2026	Inaugural Board Meeting
November 17, 2026	Board Orientation Session
November 24, 2026	1st Regular Board Meeting

Role of the Trustee:

School trustees are elected community leaders who help shape the future of public education in the Comox Valley. Working together as a Board of Education, trustees set the strategic direction for the school district, establish policies, oversee the responsible use of public resources, and ensure students have access to high-quality learning opportunities.

Trustees serve as a vital link between their communities and the public education system. They listen to the perspectives of students, families, staff, and community members and bring those voices to Board discussions and decision-making.

While trustees are elected from specific electoral areas, they are responsible for making decisions that support the success and well-being of all students across the district. Trustees focus on governance and long-term planning, while the Superintendent is responsible for the day-to-day operation of schools and district programs.

By providing leadership, accountability, and stewardship, trustees help ensure that public education continues to meet the needs of students today and into the future.

Contact

For questions about the School Trustee Election, please contact: TrusteeElection@sd71.bc.ca or your local government’s Chief Election Officer.