ELECTION 2026: Meet Prince George’s Mayoral candidates

The Municipal Election will be held on Saturday, October 17th.

MyPGNow reached out to each candidate running for Mayor in Prince George for their response to the following five questions:

1. Can you provide a brief bio of yourself?
2. Why are you running for Mayor of Prince George, and what makes you the best candidate for the position?
3. What are the most important issues in Prince George and how do you plan to address them?
4. What is your vision for Prince George over the next four years?
5. Are there any final thoughts on any topic that you would like to share?

In alphabetical order by last name:

Can you provide a brief bio of yourself?

Ernesto Caranto:

I introduce myself first of all I believe in God in Heaven by his holy Name his excellency Lord Jesus Christ.

I’m a Marine engineer by trade, also I’m an inventor, foreign exchange trader and Acute Nursing assistant.

Marc Carrier:

My Prince George Now has reached out to Marc with these five questions but have yet to hear a response.

Randy Danchuk:

My name is Randy Danchuk, I’m running for Mayor. I’m semi-retired. I’ve lived in Prince George over 47 years. I have been married 41 years, we have two kids and four grandkids. I was raised with “Family First” and the people of PG are part of my family.

I’m a construction working guy who put the time and dues in to advance to management, worked my way up to Corporate Health and Manager of 16 construction companies throughout BC.

I was a Prevention Officer for WorkSafe in Prince George. I was a operator at our local peroxide plant FMC at the time. I am a HAZMAT trained responder.  I can deal with stress and emergencies. In construction safety, I’ve dealt with lose of life many injuries and millions of dollars lost.

Youth need direction, not compromise. I taught a RTW program at the College. I truly enjoy teaching or instructing health, safety and small equipment.

I am independent and I chose to have no sponsors no agents or donations we (my wife and I) wanted to try and change PG on own I only want to be able to be unbiased and listen to people choices

PG is my family home.

Garth Frizzell:

I came to Prince George in 1996 for a Master’s degree at UNBC, having studied Computer Science and Asian Studies beforehand. I ran out of money and took on one small software development project.

The success of the first project led to the development of Terra Cognita Software Systems, Inc., an award-winning technology company, with an amazing team I led until 2011.

In 2008, I ran for a seat as Councillor, which was the first of five terms and 18 years on Council. During that time, my colleagues elected me Chair of Finance and Audit for eight years, and Chair of Intergovernmental Affairs for four years while also serving as the Council’s trustee on the Prince George Public Library.

For ten years of my time on Council, I was also elected to the volunteer board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. I took on roles of increasing responsibility, leading to being named President of FCM, representing all Canada’s municipalities, in 2020. My presidency was the year of the pandemic, which meant frequent communications with cabinet ministers or the Prime Minister at the national level as we brainstormed and implemented programs to deal with the crisis.

Throughout my careers, I’ve never looked away when someone asked for a volunteer. From founding and succeeding at my own tech company, to my volunteer life, as an instructor at UNBC and CNC, and as a City Councillor, I always got better results by building effective teams and the best results the more actively involved we got everyone.

Keenan Murphy:

MYPGNow has reached out to Keenan with these five questions but have yet to hear a response.

Zachariah Olson:

My name is Zachariah Robert James Olson, and I have been involved in municipal, provincial and federal politics since I was eighteen years of age.

I harbor a deep-seated appreciation for not only Prince George, but the people who, throughout the years, have supported me and had my back. Because of this, I am where I am today.

Kyle Sampson:

Hi, I’m Kyle! I grew up in Prince George, and while I’ve lived in other communities, PG is the place I chose to come back to and build my life.

My family moved here when I was about 10 years old. I got my first job at 13, started volunteering around the same time, and I’ve pretty much been involved in the community ever since. I moved away for a few years as an adult for my career, but came back in 2013, originally thinking it would only be for a couple of years, and well… here I am! Proud to call PG home.

I’ve spent more than a decade working with Pacific Western Brewing, primarily in business development, marketing, and community partnerships. Before that, I worked in broadcasting, entertainment, and event production, putting on concerts, festivals, fundraisers, and community events.

I was elected to City Council in 2018, and re-elected in 2022. Today, I also serve as Chair of the Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District, a Regional District Director, and a Trustee with the Municipal Finance Authority of BC, among other regional and provincial responsibilities.

Outside of all that, I’m a pretty regular guy. I love spending time with my partner Karissa and stepson Shayden, my family and friends, and getting involved in the community wherever I can.

Prince George is home, and I’m glad I chose to make it that way.

Roy Stewart:

I am Roy Stewart, a lawyer with a long history of serving Prince George. Throughout my career, I have helped people solve problems, worked through difficult decisions, and brought people together to get things done.

I served as a School District 57 trustee from 1981 to 1988 and became board chair in 1984. I also served as president of the Interior University Society and chair of the UNBC Foundation, helping advance the work to establish a university in northern British Columbia.

My community work has included health care, the development of a new courthouse, and the arts. I co-chaired the Northern Health Care Committee, chaired the Prince George Bar Association’s courthouse committee, and served as a director and president of the Prince George Symphony Society.

I was named Prince George’s Citizen of the Year in 1990 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2000.

I know what it takes to move an issue forward: understand the problem, listen to people, make a plan, and follow through.

I am running for mayor to bring new leadership and a change in direction. I have the experience to get to work immediately, ask the hard questions, and focus on results for the people of Prince George.

Simon Yu – Incumbent 

I immigrated to Prince George from Hong Kong nearly 50 years ago and have been fortunate to build my life, family and career here.

I am a professional engineer and spent more than 30 years working throughout Northern British Columbia, including operating my own consulting engineering business. I also taught engineering at the College of New Caledonia and have served organizations including UNBC and the Prince George Airport Authority.

In 2022, I was honoured to be elected Mayor of Prince George and to become the city’s first Chinese Canadian mayor.

Prince George gave my family opportunity when we came here with very little. Today, three generations of my family call this community home. Serving this city is my way of giving something back to a place that has given my family so much.

Why are you running for Mayor of Prince George, and what makes you the best candidate for the position?

Caranto:

I’m running for Mayor because when I came here, nothing changes much since 2017, our city looks the same. We don’t have  public transportation.

Bring Crematorium for south Asian community.

Freeze property tax 4 years.

Carrier:

No response.

Danchuk:

I am running for my family, my kids, my grandkids, my friends, my city. Prince George people are part of my family. Our future.

I’m running to improve life in our whole city with a hands on approach, through diversification and taking responsibility.

I live here my family lives here by choice. I’ve seen our city grow, some good, some not so good.

I understand many sides that a mayor needs to operate a thriving city. I can and have worked with my hands for many years but I’ve been a Corporate-manger for a International corporation.

I know how to drive success through management.

Frizzell:

The next decade will be a time of significant transition in Prince George. In the first four years, here are some known and confirmed changes:

1) Construction of the Northern Health Acute Care Tower. This $1.7 Bn. project will take four years to complete, during which time we will have hundreds of additional construction workers in the downtown, for that project alone. As it is built, the medical system needs to find 100s of full-time permanent medical workers to staff the facility.

2) Renovation and staffing of the Mental Health and Addictions facility, formerly the Youth Containment Centre – This $72 Mn project is slated to open in just over one year, and will require approximately 100 permanent new workers.

3) Vitreo Minerals – They have already announced the need to hire 290 workers for their full-time work near Bear Lake with full intention of bussing the workers back and forth.

For the years ahead, my skills, experience and drive are the best match. From teaching economics to implementing millions of dollars successfully in economic development, from success in founding and operating an award-winning technology business in the north and with 18 years as a Councillor in our city, I have learned how to focus on the problem and work with sometimes strong adversaries to come to solutions that solve problems for people. I build and lead strong teams that get the job done. We are going to need a fully engaged Council in the years ahead, and a calm rational approach when crises come up. That is the style of leadership I have demonstrated successfully and that I offer as Mayor.

Murphy:

No response.

Olson:

Over the past four years, I have seen the state of Prince George get worse and worse. Communication, trust in the municipality, solutions have been lacking, with problems only getting worse, I have felt the need to step up and take action.

While I may not be as experienced as the other candidates, I make up for it with my open-mindedness to not only the citizens of Prince George, but also to my proactive and fresh approach that comes from understanding the cause of the issue rather than simply stating there is an issue.

If we are to see Prince George get better over the next four years, we need action, and we need to communicate properly with not only citizens but also community programs throughout Prince George.

Sampson:

I’m running for Mayor because I love this community, I believe in its future, and I think we’re entering one of the most important periods in Prince George’s history. Most importantly, I’m running for Mayor because I understand the role, I have proven experience, and I know that I have the skillset needed to build confidence, take decisive action, and to move Prince George forward.

We have some significant challenges, but we also have enormous opportunities ahead of us. I plan to lead a Council and a City that’s prepared to tackle both.

After eight years on Council, I understand how local government works, how decisions get made, and how to move things forward. I’ve also had the opportunity to represent Prince George at decision making tables across BC and in Ottawa.

I’m proud of the work I’ve led, including negotiating the funding agreement for the UHNBC Acute Care Tower that saved local taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, advancing involuntary secure care resources, and strengthening financial accountability and capital project oversight.

My background in business development, communications, regional governance, and intergovernmental advocacy has taught me how to build relationships, negotiate, bring people together, and get results.

Being Mayor is about more than what one person can accomplish. It’s about setting direction, building consensus, and creating an environment where Council and City staff can succeed. I have the experience, relationships, and leadership skills to do that – and the track record to show for it.

Stewart:

I am running because Prince George needs a change in direction. Residents are tired of hearing about the same problems while waiting for things to improve. They want safer streets, a healthier downtown, responsible spending, and a City Hall that listens.

The current mayor and council have had years to address these concerns. Voters can look at that record and decide whether they want more of the same. I believe it is time for new leadership with the experience and determination to move our city forward.

My legal career has taught me to ask direct questions, understand the facts, and find workable solutions. My public service has taught me how to bring people together and make decisions that serve the community.

As mayor, I would set clear priorities, work to build support on council, and expect follow-through. When progress stalls, I would work to resolve the problem and keep residents informed.

I believe I am the best candidate because I bring experience, sound judgment, and a clear commitment to change. Prince George needs a mayor who is ready to lead from day one. I am ready to take on that responsibility.

Yu:

I am running because I believe the next four years could be among the most important in Prince George’s history.

Northern B.C. is undergoing enormous change. At the same time that forestry is struggling, billions of dollars of investment are taking shape across the North in energy, mining, critical minerals and infrastructure. Prince George has an opportunity to become the business, service and investment centre of that northern economy.

I believe my combination of engineering, business, community leadership and four years of experience as Mayor gives me a unique perspective on what it will take to seize that opportunity.

I’ve also learned a great deal during my first term. Leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about listening, bringing people together and having the experience to turn ideas into action. I am asking for another four years to continue that work.

What are the most important issues in Prince George and how do you plan to address them?

Caranto:

Hospital facilities with 24 hours security surveillance for people with mental health issues.

We need rehabilitation and treatment and after that giving training (vocational skills) to work to start with.

Carrier:

No response.

Danchuk:

I believe we have several current situations that must be addressed:

⁃ Safety.  We need to improve bylaws and laws.  Better patrols with auxiliary deployment and block and business watch implementation

⁃ Open drug use.  Drug programs that ended this year need to be enforced. Cooperation and direction is required in “street services”

⁃ Policing. Better communication and transparency between city and police.  Once a month statistics presentation – major incidents discussed in a timely matter.

⁃ Seniors.  Seniors need support – taxes, food, mobility, a council that listens.  Not always about city giving money it’s about respect, recognition dignity and simply helping and looking out for your neighbour.

⁃ Medical care expenses and management.  We must push for what we need.  We are the hub of the north  and need to be the medical hub of the north. Better management choices like our heli-port on the roof.

⁃ Housing and taxes.  Better implementation and reviews of permits and planning.   Taxes – if we stop the Special Projects and stop spending our money on low revenue return investments tax fund management can be improved. Control of funding better but I believe the new Mayor and council are owed a internal audit.  To see the big picture.

⁃ Job creation.  Diversification on things like FedEx, Amazon, airport improvement.  Selling PG as the hub the city as the distribution center of northern BC. Promoting growth in neighbourhoods out of core areas – Hart, west, BCR all of PG.

⁃ Over spending on special projects.  Stop spending on non core issues until a audit is completed.

⁃ Clarity on decisions made by council. Live streaming where possible better exposure on distribution of city funds.

Frizzell:

Economy, Public Safety and Livability.

We are transitioning our economy. We know the US threats and shifting geopolitical alliances, a federal and provincial leadership focused on delivering resource projects in Northern BC, a troubled forest sector, layoffs in post-secondary education and a massive increase in healthcare provision and mental health and addictions services. These next four years will see inevitable change in Prince George.

The impact of 100s of new workers for the construction phase of various projects and then more permanent employees moving to our city to deliver health care services and work in the resource sector will strain our city and force change. These are good problems to have, but they are still challenges that need to be faced head on.

In boom times like the ones we are about to experience, it is essential to have a strategic approach that will allow Prince George to maintain wins and consolidate funding. That means attracting infill development to strategic locations so we grow population without growing infrastructure costs. That means choosing projects to enhance arts, sport and culture at a time when economic and population growth is at its height. That means ensuring that root causes of the public safety crisis are identified, addressed and Prince George is made safer for all.

Murphy:

No response.

Olson:

Crime, first and foremost, is the most important problem facing Prince George today. Along all levels, from business, to worker, to citizen, it affects us all and presents a problem that needs prioritizing. Understaffed RCMP, housing for the homeless, and addressing the underlying problems that lead to crime are all things we have to consider, but they can be addressed. Programs like Car60, civic detachments for the RCMP, moving towards Municipal Policing, alongside revitalizing buildings for housing is a must.

Secondarily, we must also work on renovating infrastructure to account for fire risk, especially in the electrical wiring across Prince George. If we are to suffer a fire in one of our residential districts, it could spell disaster for those living in Prince George, and ruin what little faith still remains in our Municipality.

Sampson:

A City Unlocking Opportunity: We need to attract investment, create good jobs, build more housing, and make it easier to do business in Prince George. I’ll establish a Mayor’s Economic Advisory Table, expand FastTrack PG, and actively champion our community with investors and senior governments.

A City That’s Safe: I’ll work with the RCMP to establish clear policing priorities from Council focused on prolific offenders, property crime, and drug trafficking. I’ll also pursue a Community Safety Division, strengthen enforcement of community standards, and advance a Recovery & Navigation Centre model in partnership with the Provincial government.

A City People Choose: I’ll prioritize the things that make everyday life better for residents and focus on what a municipality should be focused on. From well maintained roads, parks, and recreation facilities to safer neighbourhoods and stronger community connections. I’ll pursue a destination splash park, advance a long term vision for our important community spaces (like civic core and exhibition park) and our riverfront, improve accessibility and age friendly infrastructure, and champion more festivals, arts, culture, and recreation opportunities that give people more reasons to stay, visit, and invest in Prince George.

A City That Works for You: I’ll bring stronger leadership, accountability, and financial discipline to City Hall. That means modernizing Council’s committee structure, strengthening oversight of major capital projects, reviewing how taxpayer dollars are spent, and setting clear expectations for municipal services. I’ll also introduce an annual Mayor’s Community Listening Tour taking the time to hear from our residents in their own neighbourhoods, improve public reporting on Council’s priorities, and prioritize a City Hall that’s more responsive, transparent, and focused on getting things done.

Stewart:

The most important issues are safer streets, responsible spending, open government, and better support for seniors. These concerns have been discussed for years. Residents deserve action and results.

I would make enforcement of the Safe Streets Bylaw a priority, give bylaw officers the equipment and support they need, and push for regular, thorough street cleaning. I would work to move needle exchange, food distribution, and related services into properly supported housing settings. I would also press the province for more treatment options, including involuntary care where appropriate. Residents and businesses need safe public spaces, and people in crisis need effective care.

At City Hall, I would bring forward changes to bylaws that have handed too much decision-making power to administration. Elected council must take responsibility for spending and policy decisions. I would also push for more business to be conducted openly.

For seniors, I would pursue housing through City land and partnerships with senior governments, reduced or eliminated transit fares, and grants to charities providing seniors’ services.

Every proposal must come with clear costs and a practical plan. Change means setting priorities, making decisions, and following through. That is the leadership I would bring.

Yu:

I see three immediate priorities: our economy, public safety and affordability and quality of life for our residents.

First, we must diversify our economy while continuing to support forestry. Through The North Starts Here and PG 100, I want Prince George aggressively pursuing employers, investment and regional offices connected to the major projects developing throughout Northern B.C.

Second, residents need to feel safe in their neighbourhoods, parks and downtown. We need compassion for people struggling with addiction and homelessness, but compassion must be paired with accountability, treatment and recovery. I support stronger partnerships between police, businesses, service providers and other levels of government.

Finally, Prince George must be a city where young people can build a future and seniors can continue to live with dignity. That means housing, good jobs, infrastructure, recreation and responsible management of taxpayers’ dollars.

What is your vision for Prince George over the next four years?

Caranto:

My vision for the next 4 years if God’s willing, I will put very good public transportation in place, including to the Airport, Quesnel, Vanderhoof, and more manufacturing jobs, and attract more Doctors and Nurses, Laboratory techs.

Carrier:

No response.

Danchuk:

I believe by hard work and educated, dedicated people, we can be a safe, vibrant, northern city.

Safe streets, a choice for people and businesses to want to come too with job possibilities for all.

Neighbours looking out for each other and protecting our family our city, our environment, our future.

Frizzell:

The Mayor and Council for the next four years will have to contend with growth and development on a scale we haven’t seen in fifty years. It is a time to focus, and relentlessly seek wins in the economy, public safety and livability. It means that the Mayor has to actively work to make sure that the Council residents elect on October 17 are enabled to do that work, and that the best environment is maintained for working effectively together.

A dysfunctional Council at this point could set the city back at a time when we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to catapult forward in so many ways. Collaborative, experienced leadership is more important in the years ahead than ever before.

Murphy:

No response.

Olson:

A Prince George that people can safely enjoy, with the knowledge that, if something does go wrong, the municipality will be there not only to listen, but to respond and communicate clearly with its citizens.

A Prince George where voices, high and low, are heard, backed up by a feeling of safety that we can put our trust in.

Sampson:

I want Prince George to be a city that people are proud to call home, where they feel safe, see opportunity, and have confidence in where we’re headed.

Over the next four years, I want to see meaningful improvements in public safety, housing, infrastructure, and how City Hall delivers services.

I want a stronger local economy, more good paying jobs, and a community that’s competing for investment rather than waiting for opportunities to come to us. We have tremendous potential in forestry, mining, energy, transportation, aviation, and other emerging industries, and I want Prince George positioned to benefit from that growth.

I want a downtown that’s cleaner, safer, and more welcoming. Neighbourhoods with great parks, trails, and recreation. A city where young people see a future, families want to raise their kids, and seniors can remain active and connected.

And I want a City Hall that residents have confidence in, where decisions are transparent, taxpayer dollars are respected, and the focus is on getting things done.

But here an important part – I don’t want Prince George to become Vancouver, Kelowna, or somewhere else. I want Prince George to become the best version of itself – embracing what folks love about this community, and building off of it.

That is my vision – but those “I want” statements are all possible with leadership who understands how the role of government, can build consensus, is a clear communicator, and is willing to bring bold, decisive leadership to the job.

Stewart:

Four years from now, I want residents to see a clear difference in Prince George and have confidence in the direction we are heading.

I want cleaner, safer streets and a downtown people feel comfortable visiting. Businesses should be able to welcome customers, and families should be able to enjoy public spaces. Getting there will require consistent enforcement, better coordination of services, and firm pressure on the province to meet its responsibilities for treatment and care.

I want seniors to see progress on housing and affordable transportation, with more support for organizations that help them stay active and connected.

I also want a City Hall that earns public trust. Council should make important decisions openly, explain its spending, and take responsibility for results. Residents deserve clear answers about what is being done and what it costs.

Prince George has strong businesses, dedicated community organizations, and real opportunities for investment and jobs. I would work to build those opportunities while protecting taxpayers.

We have spent enough time talking about what needs to change. Over the next four years, I want a council that works together, makes decisions, and delivers improvements people can see. My goal is a city we can be proud of.

Yu:

My vision is for Prince George to confidently step into its role as the northern capital of British Columbia.

I want companies investing across Northern B.C. to locate their offices here, hire people here, purchase services here and build long-term relationships with our community and Indigenous partners.

I want our streets, parks and neighbourhoods to feel safe. I want young people graduating in Prince George to see opportunity here rather than believing they have to leave to build their careers. And I want the people who built this community to know they can age here with dignity and remain connected.

I also want a City Council that can debate difficult issues, disagree respectfully and then work together once decisions are made.

The North is changing. Prince George should not simply watch that transformation happen around us. We should help lead it.

Are there any final thoughts on any topic that you would like to share?

Caranto:

I would like to share my thoughts about drugs addiction in our community. I think we need an intervention before getting worse. The people have big problems because our city have things people can spend time on.

I think it’s better we get together as one community to help them train to have a job that can change their habits.

Carrier:

No response.

Danchuk:

John Quincy Adams: “Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”

Vote with Integrity  – would you want that person as a friend or neighbour? Are they running for PG or are they building a foothold for personal advancement or Legacy? Vote with your heart.

Not all managers are good leaders. True leaders listen to the people. Have they walked in your shoes?

Be Kind but stand up. Vote who you believe will truly change our awesome city. Please get out and vote, it’s our duty as Canadians.

Frizzell:

Change is inevitable. The new Council will get up to speed quickly and will deliver results. The effectiveness of those results is going to depend on their ability to work together. The next Mayor should be judged on how well they can activate that team.

I want you to judge me on that, and I ask for your support to do just that.

Murphy:

No response.

Olson:

Not at the moment, thank you for your time, and rock on.

Sampson:

One thing I’ve said throughout the campaign is that I don’t believe Prince George is broken.

Do we have challenges? Absolutely. I understand why people are frustrated. Public safety, housing, healthcare, affordability, and rising costs are real concerns, and residents deserve to see action.

However, I also see an incredible community filled with people who care deeply about where we live. Our volunteers, businesses, community organizations, frontline workers, and everyday residents do remarkable things, often without much recognition. That’s the Prince George I know, the Prince George I believe in, and the Prince George I choose to live in.

I’ve spent eight years on Council, and one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that no one person has all the answers. Some of the best ideas come from people who see things differently than you do. I believe good leadership means listening, doing your homework, making decisions, taking responsibility, and following through. We won’t always agree, and that’s okay – we can disagree respectfully and still work together.

I chose to make Prince George my home, and I’ve spent much of my life working to make it a better place.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, but I’m even more excited about what’s ahead. I genuinely believe our best days are still ahead of us.

Stewart:

This election is an opportunity to change the direction of Prince George. I encourage voters to look at the record of those who have already held office and ask a straightforward question: are you satisfied with the results?

The current mayor and returning members of council have had years to make their decisions and show their leadership. Voters are entitled to expect more than another round of promises about longstanding problems.

I believe our city needs new leadership that takes responsibility, asks hard questions, and follows through. A mayor must work to bring council together, build support for good decisions, and keep the focus on the community.

We can insist on safer streets while treating people in crisis with dignity. We can support growth while being careful with taxpayers’ money. We can make difficult decisions and explain them openly.

Prince George has people who work hard every day to make this community better. They deserve a City Hall that matches their effort.

I bring experience, a clear set of priorities, and the determination to get to work immediately. If you want a change in direction, I am asking for your vote and the opportunity to lead that change.

Yu:

Prince George has been my home for nearly five decades.

I arrived here as a young immigrant from Hong Kong with very little and found opportunity, friendship and eventually a place where my family could build its future. Today, three generations of my family live and contribute here.

That experience has shaped how I see this city.

We will not agree on every issue, and we shouldn’t expect to. But I believe we share far more than divides us. We want safe neighbourhoods, good jobs, responsible government and opportunities for our children and grandchildren.

The coming decade presents Prince George with challenges, but also extraordinary opportunities.

My commitment is to keep listening, keep learning and keep working to bring people together around the interests of Prince George.

That is what Prince George, Together means to me.

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Our thanks to the mayor candidates in Prince George that took the time to respond to our questions.

Polls will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day, October 17th.

Listen to 94.3 the Goat or Country 97 in Prince George for results on election night.

Results will also be posted on this website.

–With files from Zachary Barrowcliff and Brendan Pawliw, My Prince George Now