Voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking seats on the Strathcona Regional District board Thursday night as the first in a series of local election debates gets underway in Campbell River.

The Strathcona Regional Area Director Debate will be held at the Tidemark Theatre from 7 to 9 p.m., with doors opening at 6:45 p.m.
Candidates from Electoral Areas B and D will participate.

In Electoral Area B, candidates Jade Jordan, Sandy Keith and Mark Vonesch are seeking the position, while Bernadette LaFleur and John Rice are running in Electoral Area D.

There will be no debate for Electoral Areas A or C. Gerald Whalley has been acclaimed in Area A, while Robyn Mawhinney has been acclaimed in Area C, and neither will participate in tonight's event.

The public is invited to attend the debate at the Tidemark Theatre, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Those unable to attend in person can watch a live stream through the Tidemark Theatre website.

A recording will also be available the following day through the Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce's YouTube channel.

Thursday's event is co-hosted by the Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce, Campbell River Mirror and Tidemark Theatre Society as part of a series of debates ahead of the 2026 local elections.

The next debate will feature school trustee candidates on Sunday, October 4, followed by Campbell River's mayoral candidates on Monday, October 5.

General voting day for B.C.'s local elections is Saturday, October 17.

To learn more, visit Tidemark Theatre.