In a significant electoral shift, Harshan Ramadass has been elected as Fernie’s new mayor with over 50% of the votes. (Pic Credit: AP)
Two Indian-origin leaders have secured mayoral victories following the declaration of results in Canada’s 2026 municipal elections in British Columbia.
He secured 54.5 per cent of the vote, receiving 1,524 votes against Hamilton’s 1,194. Rathor received 2,116 votes, defeating his rival, Walt Cobb, by more than 1,000 votes. Rathor had lost mayoral contests against Cobb in 2014 and 2018. He first joined the Williams Lake city council in 1993 and was elected mayor in 2022 after serving as a councillor for more than two decades. He moved to Williams Lake in 1974 after immigrating from India at the age of 21.
In Williams Lake, Indian-origin Surinderpal Rathor won re-election as mayor, securing a second consecutive term. The Williams Lake Tribune quoted him as saying, “We won, we won!
Ramadass said the result reflected the community’s desire for collaboration, accountability and a focus on Fernie’s interests. He expressed gratitude to voters for placing their trust in him and said he looked forward to working with the incoming council and residents to turn his vision into action. Rathor said he was honoured by the victory and committed to continuing his work for the community.
Elections were also held for park boards in Vancouver and Cultus Lake, as well as the Islands Trust. India-born Harshan Ramadass defeated fellow councillor Kyle Hamilton to become the next mayor of Fernie. “We’ve done it, Fernie. Tonight you have sent a clear message that our community is ready to move forward,” Ramadass was quoted as saying by My East Kootenay Now. He thanked residents for their continued confidence, as well as his wife, family and campaign team for their support. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.
Residents across the province voted on Saturday in local elections to choose mayors, municipal councillors, regional district directors and school board trustees, according to the news agency PTI.