Pitt Meadows 2026 election guide: Where the mayoral and council candidates stand on the biggest issues

Incumbent Mayor Nicole MacDonald is facing former longtime councillor Janis Elkerton in a contest that pits the current administration’s record against calls for greater financial restraint and a different approach to municipal priorities.

Meanwhile, 11 candidates are competing for six council seats, including five incumbents seeking re-election.

Although many candidates agree that Pitt Meadows should preserve its small-town character, significant differences have emerged over how the city should accommodate growth, finance major infrastructure projects and protect agricultural land.

The election also comes as the municipality continues to deal with the costs and long-term implications of major public safety investments, including its independent RCMP detachment, new police services building and expanded firefighting services.

Below is a breakdown of the main issues and where the candidates stand.

The main election issues

• Property taxes and municipal spending: Affordability, rising property taxes and the cost of major municipal projects have become central concerns. The debate centres on balancing financial restraint with investments in public services and infrastructure, including the long-term borrowing associated with the new police services building.
• Policing and firefighting: Pitt Meadows has expanded its career firefighting service and established an independent RCMP detachment, alongside plans for a new police services building. The cost of these investments, their benefits to public safety and their long-term financial implications remain important election issues.
• North Lougheed development and farmland protection: A proposal involving the removal of approximately 125 acres from the Agricultural Land Reserve has raised concerns about farmland loss, traffic congestion and future development. The broader plan contemplates approximately 2,200 residences, prompting debate over whether the potential transportation and economic benefits justify the permanent loss of agricultural land.
• Housing and neighbourhood character: Pitt Meadows faces pressure to accommodate more housing while preserving its small-town identity. Questions remain about appropriate density, building heights, infrastructure capacity and how much control the municipality should retain over development decisions.
• Harris Road Grade Separation: The longstanding problem of trains blocking road crossings continues to affect traffic and emergency access. With project estimates rising from approximately $63.3 million in 2018 to more than $195 million in 2025, securing funding without placing excessive costs on local taxpayers is a major challenge.
• Flood protection and infrastructure: Dikes, drainage pumps, irrigation systems, water and sewer infrastructure are essential to protecting Pitt Meadows’ low-lying neighbourhoods and agricultural lands. Aging infrastructure and population growth are increasing pressure for upgrades.
• Small businesses and economic development: Supporting local businesses, encouraging commercial investment and maintaining a healthy local economy are also campaign priorities. Rising commercial rents, limited retail opportunities and the need to diversify the city’s economic base are among the challenges facing the next council.

The mayoral race

Watch the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce’s Mayoral Debate 2026 here.

Nicole MacDonald — Incumbent mayor

First elected mayor in 2022, Nicole MacDonald is seeking a second term on a platform emphasizing public safety, community amenities, responsible growth and continuing the work of the current council.

Her campaign, centred on the themes of safety, improvement and collaboration, highlights several major initiatives undertaken during her first term.

Chief among them are investments in public safety, including the addition of nine firefighters, the introduction of round-the-clock career firefighting coverage and the establishment of an independent Pitt Meadows RCMP detachment.

MacDonald has highlighted improvements in nighttime fire response times, which she says have dropped from approximately seven to nine minutes to two minutes and 29 seconds.

She has also defended the city’s financial management, arguing that Pitt Meadows continues to compare favourably with other municipalities on debt and combined taxes and utility charges.

MacDonald maintains that investing in emergency services and municipal facilities is necessary to protect residents and prepare for future growth.

On housing, she has pointed to projects such as Heron’s Nest, which includes 115 non-market rental homes and 150 childcare spaces, while criticizing provincial housing legislation that reduces local government control over certain development decisions.

Where she stands:

• Public safety: Strongly supports the independent Pitt Meadows RCMP detachment, new police services building and expanded career firefighting services.
• Taxes and spending: Defends the city’s financial management and argues that major public safety investments provide long-term value.
• Housing: Highlights non-market rental housing and childcare projects, including Heron’s Nest.
• Development: Supports managed growth while criticizing provincial housing legislation that reduces local decision-making authority.
• Transportation: Supports continued efforts to resolve railway crossing problems and secure funding for the Harris Road Grade Separation.
• Community amenities: Highlights investments in parks, recreation and public spaces, including Lions Fun Park, Grabenhorst Gardens and the planned Athletic Park expansion.
• Governance: Emphasizes collaboration among councillors, municipal staff and community partners, including strengthening relationships with Katzie First Nation.

MacDonald’s campaign is built around the argument that Pitt Meadows has made meaningful progress during her term and should maintain that direction.

Her record also makes her accountable for the costs and consequences of major municipal decisions, particularly the police building and other infrastructure commitments.

Official Facebook page for further reading

Janis Elkerton — Former longtime councillor

Janis Elkerton is challenging MacDonald after previously serving 21 years on Pitt Meadows council.

She is campaigning on fiscal responsibility, greater scrutiny of municipal spending, farmland protection and securing outside funding for major infrastructure projects.

Elkerton has been particularly critical of recent tax increases and the financial commitments associated with the city’s new police services building.

She has pointed to cumulative property tax increases of more than 30 percent over four years as evidence that the municipality needs to reconsider its spending priorities.

Elkerton has also questioned the decision to borrow approximately $20 million over 30 years for the police services building, arguing that major financial commitments require closer scrutiny.

Her campaign emphasizes the importance of securing provincial and federal funding for infrastructure, particularly flood protection, drainage and transportation improvements.

She also wants Pitt Meadows to preserve agricultural land, green spaces and its small-town character as development pressures increase.

With more than two decades of council experience, Elkerton is presenting herself as an alternative who understands municipal government but would bring a different approach to spending and financial oversight.

Where she stands:

• Taxes and spending: Criticizes cumulative property tax increases of more than 30 percent over four years and calls for stronger financial oversight.
• Municipal debt: Questions the long-term implications of borrowing approximately $20 million over 30 years for the police services building.
• Infrastructure: Supports essential improvements but wants the city to pursue greater financial assistance from provincial and federal governments.
• Flood protection: Prioritizes dikes, drainage systems and other infrastructure needed to protect homes and farmland.
• Transportation: Wants practical solutions to railway crossing delays and transportation congestion without placing excessive costs on local taxpayers.
• Development: Supports protecting farmland, green spaces and the community’s character.
• Economic development: Has raised concerns about industrial development that may not fit Pitt Meadows, including certain data centre proposals.
• Governance: Emphasizes her municipal experience and the need for financial accountability.

Elkerton is offering voters an alternative to the current administration’s spending priorities while drawing on her own lengthy record in municipal government.

The mayoral race therefore presents a choice between MacDonald’s argument for continuing recent investments and Elkerton’s call for greater financial restraint and a reassessment of municipal priorities.

Official website for further reading

The council race

Watch the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce’s All Candidates Councillor forum here.

Michael Babor

Babor is a former Canada Safeway manager with more than 28 years of management experience. He has operated a small rental business since 2000 and has served on strata councils, including as president.

His campaign focuses on property rights, financial discipline, farmland protection and stronger advocacy for residents affected by airport noise.

Where he stands:

• Taxes: Wants municipal taxes, fees and borrowing to be justified by clear public benefits.
• Development: Opposes growth that threatens farmland or changes neighbourhoods without meaningful resident input.
• Airport: Wants the city to advocate more strongly for residents affected by aircraft noise.
• Public safety: Supports safe neighbourhoods and consistent application of municipal rules.
• Governance: Promises independent decision-making and greater accountability to residents.

Babor is positioning himself as a challenger to established municipal decision-making, although he has not outlined detailed positions on the police building, Harris Road Grade Separation or North Lougheed proposal.

Official Facebook page for further reading

Don Bell

Bell is a longtime Pitt Meadows resident and trades educator with experience in plumbing, steamfitting and technical instruction.

He is campaigning on fiscal restraint, greater transparency and protecting the community’s rural character.

Where he stands:

• Taxes: Wants annual tax increases at or below inflation.
• Transportation: Opposes placing significant municipal costs for the Harris Road Grade Separation on local taxpayers.
• Development: Supports maintaining the urban containment boundary and protecting farmland.
• Economic development: Supports appropriate commercial and industrial growth, including education, technology and agricultural processing.
• Governance: Wants greater transparency around council compensation, closed meetings and opportunities for public questions.
• Services: Believes senior governments should bear appropriate responsibility for social service costs.

Bell is among the candidates offering the clearest proposed limit on property tax increases and has been particularly outspoken about the potential financial burden of railway grade separation.

Official website for further reading

Owen Coomer

Coomer, a father of two who has lived in Pitt Meadows since 2020, is campaigning on protecting the city’s small-town atmosphere while planning for future infrastructure and service needs.

He has expressed support for several decisions made by the current council.

Where he stands:

• Housing: Opposes highrises and additional major density projects, favouring carefully planned growth.
• North Lougheed: Supports limited, thoughtfully designed development.
• Public safety: Supports the independent RCMP detachment and new police building, and has suggested adding one or two more career firefighters.
• Transportation: Wants greater funding contributions from major shippers and senior governments for railway improvements.
• Transit: Supports improved transit connections and longer-term advocacy for SkyTrain expansion.
• Business: Has proposed temporary tax incentives for new small businesses and more neighbourhood commercial services.

Coomer offers a combination of support for the current council’s public safety investments and a cautious approach to additional housing density.

Tracy Elke — Incumbent

First elected in 2008, Elke is seeking a sixth consecutive term on council.

She is emphasizing her experience, community involvement and the accomplishments of successive councils.

Where she stands:

• Public safety: Supports expanded firefighting services, the independent RCMP detachment and associated facilities.
• Development: Supports managed growth and protecting Pitt Meadows’ community character.
• Environment: Highlights work on environmental protection, climate planning and preserving natural areas.
• Transportation: Supports improvements to local streets and continued advocacy on railway crossing issues.
• Infrastructure: Emphasizes drainage, pumping systems and long-term municipal planning.
• Community: Highlights investments in parks, recreation, arts and public events.
• Governance: Emphasizes collaboration, experience and maintaining relationships with community partners.

Elke is campaigning largely on continuity, arguing that her experience can help the city complete existing projects and maintain essential services.

Official Facebook page for further reading

Alison Evans — Incumbent

Evans was first elected in 2022 and is seeking a second term.

A longtime 911 dispatcher and former small business owner, she is emphasizing public safety, transportation, agriculture and economic development.

Where she stands:

• Public safety: Supports the city’s investments in firefighting, policing and emergency preparedness.
• Transportation: Advocates safer walking and cycling routes, including improvements near schools.
• Business: Supports local entrepreneurs and stronger protections for commercial tenants.
• Agriculture: Advocates protecting farmland and supporting local producers.
• Economic development: Supports tourism, community events and strengthening local business activity.
• Taxes: Emphasizes efficient spending, grants and cost-sharing opportunities rather than a fixed tax increase limit.
• Environment: Supports climate action, green spaces and community resilience.

Evans brings a combination of emergency services experience and small business advocacy to the race, with particular attention to active transportation and commercial affordability.

Official website for further reading

Mike Hayes — Incumbent

Hayes was first elected to council in 2018 and is seeking a third term.

A longtime Pitt Meadows resident, he is emphasizing responsible growth, community involvement and maintaining the city’s quality of life.

Where he stands:

• Development: Supports growth that preserves the city’s character and agricultural heritage.
• Economic development: Wants a resilient local economy and opportunities for businesses.
• Infrastructure: Supports maintaining municipal facilities, roads and essential services.
• Transportation: Identifies transportation improvements as a priority.
• Flood protection: Supports infrastructure that protects homes, businesses and farmland.
• Public safety: Emphasizes maintaining safe neighbourhoods and reliable services.
• Community: Highlights his longstanding involvement in local charities, events and volunteer organizations.

Hayes’ campaign emphasizes experience and continuity, although his published priorities are broad and do not include detailed tax targets or positions on major development proposals.

Official Facebook page for further reading

Ariane Jaschke

Jaschke is a longtime Pitt Meadows business owner who has operated a photography studio in Osprey Village since 2014.

She has served on the city’s Economic Development Committee and is involved in several community and charitable organizations.

Where she stands:

• Business: Wants stronger municipal support for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Development: Supports thoughtful growth that protects neighbourhood character.
• Spending: Wants major municipal projects to be fiscally responsible.
• Mental health: Highlights her involvement in the Illuminate Gala, which has raised more than $50,000 for local mental health initiatives.
• Community: Supports arts, culture, recreation and opportunities for residents to connect.
• Governance: Emphasizes transparency, collaboration and meaningful public engagement.

Jaschke has expressed support for the current council’s broader vision while promising to bring a fresh perspective and a willingness to question decisions.

Official Facebook page for further reading

Mike Manion — Incumbent

Manion was first elected in 2022 and is seeking a second term.

With extensive experience in agricultural management and consulting, he has made farmland protection and agricultural infrastructure central to his campaign.

Where he stands:

• Agriculture: Strongly supports preserving agricultural land and improving conditions for local farmers.
• North Lougheed: Was the lone councillor to oppose the Sept. 29 proposal involving approximately 125 acres of agricultural land.
• Transportation: Questions whether the proposed development’s traffic benefits justify farmland loss and supports continued railway grade separation advocacy.
• Flood protection: Prioritizes dike upgrades, drainage pumps and affordable agricultural irrigation.
• Taxes: Emphasizes responsible spending and long-term financial planning.
• Governance: Wants residents’ concerns about municipal bylaws to receive greater attention.

Manion’s opposition to the North Lougheed proposal sets him apart from the majority of the current council and makes him one of the clearest voices for farmland protection in the race.

Official website for further reading

Bob Meachen — Incumbent

Meachen was first elected in 2018 and is seeking a third term.

His campaign emphasizes public safety, fiscal responsibility and preserving Pitt Meadows’ quality of life.

Where he stands:

• Taxes: Supports careful spending, reasonable taxes and long-term financial planning.
• Public safety: Strongly supports the expanded fire service, new fire hall and independent RCMP detachment.
• Housing: Supports housing that meets residents’ needs while protecting community character.
• Infrastructure: Wants to complete major projects already underway and avoid costly deferred maintenance.
• Business: Supports local businesses and is limiting campaign spending on signs and mail-outs.
• Governance: Emphasizes experience, collaboration and accountability.

Meachen is defending the current council’s public safety investments while arguing that experienced leadership is needed to manage the municipality’s future financial commitments.

Official Facebook page for further reading

Julia Perrie

Perrie has lived in Pitt Meadows since 1989 and has more than 35 years of experience in local real estate.

She also volunteers on the city’s Economic Development Advisory Committee.

Where she stands:

• Development: Supports growth that fits existing neighbourhoods without overwhelming them.
• Infrastructure: Wants water, sewer, roads and other services to keep pace with population growth.
• Transportation: Emphasizes the risks posed by blocked railway crossings to emergency response and evacuation.
• Energy: Wants to explore innovative solutions to meet growing electric vehicle charging demand.
• Public safety: Supports reliable emergency access and infrastructure planning.
• Economic development: Brings real estate and advisory committee experience to municipal issues.

Perrie’s campaign is particularly focused on ensuring the city has adequate infrastructure before accommodating additional development.

Reet Singh

Singh has lived in Pitt Meadows with his family for seven years and is campaigning on housing affordability, transportation safety and supporting local businesses.

He is positioning himself as a candidate who would bring a younger perspective to council.

Where he stands:

• Housing: Supports zoning changes allowing more townhouses, multiplexes, condominiums and mixed-use developments.
• Transportation: Wants safer intersections, improved pedestrian visibility and protected cycling lanes.
• Public safety: Supports better lighting in parks and public spaces.
• Business: Wants stronger support for local businesses and tourism.
• Commercial rents: Supports seeking provincial authority to regulate commercial rent increases.
• Environment: Advocates walkable, transit-friendly neighbourhoods.
• Youth: Supports more recreational programming and public facilities for younger residents.

Singh’s support for expanded housing options and protected cycling infrastructure distinguishes him from candidates who are more cautious about density and transportation changes.

Official website for further reading

Summary

The Pitt Meadows election is shaping up as a contest over how the city should balance its small-town identity with the financial and infrastructure demands of a growing community.

The mayoral race offers the clearest choice between continuing the direction established under MacDonald and reassessing municipal priorities under Elkerton.

However, the council contest is more complicated.

Some challengers, including Coomer and Jaschke, have expressed support for aspects of the current council’s approach while proposing their own priorities.

Others, including Bell and Babor, are placing greater emphasis on fiscal restraint, property rights and accountability.

Manion’s opposition to the North Lougheed proposal demonstrates that divisions over farmland protection also exist among the incumbents.

Singh, meanwhile, is proposing a more expansive approach to housing choice and active transportation than many of his competitors.

The next council will face decisions involving the cost of public safety services, railway improvements, flood protection, future development and the municipality’s ability to maintain essential infrastructure.

Although almost every candidate is promising responsible growth and careful spending, the differences lie in what they are prepared to build, protect, finance or oppose.

Those decisions will help determine not only how Pitt Meadows grows over the next four years, but also the financial and environmental obligations it leaves for future generations.

Where and when to vote

Pitt Meadows residents will vote on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Election Day voting locations are:

• South Bonson Community Centre: 10932 Barnston View Road
• Heritage Hall: 12460 Harris Road
• Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre: 12027 Harris Road

Voters will elect one mayor and six councillors, along with school trustees representing Pitt Meadows on the Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows school board.

For election information, visit pittmeadows.ca/election.