TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: January 26, 2026 Report No. ADM-26-002
TO: Council
FROM: Sarah Holloway, Manager of Corporate Services/Deputy Corporate Officer
SUBJECT: 2026 General Local Election - Appointment of the Chief Election Officer and Deputy Chief Election Officer
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council appoint Sarah Holloway, Manager of Corporate Services, as Chief Election Officer and Victoria McKean, Committee Coordinator as Deputy Chief Election Officer to conduct the 2026 General Local Elections.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of the report is to appoint a Chief and Deputy Chief Election Officer to conduct the 2026 General Local Elections. These appointments are required by legislation to commence preparations for the election.
BACKGROUND:
In accordance with the Local Government Act, Council must appoint a Chief Election Officer (CEO) and Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) for the purpose of conducting an election. The 2026 General Local Election for the Township of Esquimalt Council and the Greater Victoria School District Trustee(s) will be held on October 17, 2026, with advance voting opportunities to be held in accordance with the Local Government Act and Election and Assent Voting Procedures Bylaw, 2022, No. 3068.
ANALYSIS:
The Local Government Act outlines the powers and duties of the CEO. Once a CEO is appointed they can begin the preparations for the 2026 General Local Elections which include entering into agreements needed to conduct the elections, the ability to appoint other election officials as required for the administration of the elections, and to commence a review of the bylaws and procedures to ensure any legislative changes since the last election are incorporated. An additional report on bylaw amendments may be brought to Council for approval, if required.
OPTIONS:
1. That Council appoint Sarah Holloway, Manager of Corporate Services, as Chief Election Officer and Victoria McKean, Committee Coordinator as Deputy Chief Election Officer to conduct the 2026 General Local Elections.
2. That Council provide alternate direction regarding the appointment of the Chief Election Officer and Deputy Chief Election Officer.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Good Governance and Organizational Excellence
Strong Relationships and Partnerships
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no financial implications associated with these appointments.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
Elections BC, responsible for administering the campaign financing and election advertising rules in the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, will be provided with contact information for the Chief and Deputy Chief Election Officers. This information will also be provided to Civic Info BC.
The Township’s website will be updated for the 2026 General Local Elections on an ongoing basis, including information on nomination packages, voting opportunities, mail ballots and all appropriate deadlines and requirements.
Statutory notifications will be completed in compliance with the Local Government Act.
A comprehensive Communications Plan to advertise the election will be developed by the CEO and implemented by the Manager of Communications and Corporate Services staff. Methods will include but are not limited to, publishing to the website, social media, noticeboards, community boards, and the local newspaper.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
Key dates for the 2026 General Local Election include:
• September 1 - 11, 2026 - Nomination period
• September 19, 2026 - Start of campaign period
• October 7, 2026 - Advanced voting opportunity #1
• October 14, 2026 - Advanced voting opportunity #2
• October 17, 2026 - General voting day
• November 2, 2026 - Inaugural Council meeting
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
2. Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services, Reviewed
3. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
There are no attachments to this report.