Councillors Andrew Hamilton and John French say they are seeking re-election for councillor in October 2026. Councillors Jenna Stoner, Eric Andersen, and Chris Pettingill remain undecided about a 2026 bid for either the councillor or the mayor position.
Hamilton will be running for council, not for mayor. French, too, is seeking a third term as councillor, though he stopped short of dismissing a mayoral bid. Despite repeated requests, Councillor Lauren Greenlaw did not respond to questions from the Squamish Reporter. Current mayor Armand Hurford already announced he will not run for mayor in the upcoming election.
Hamilton cited two main factors driving his decision: whether council work fits into his personal and professional life, and whether he can help the District deliver better services. He pointed to a reform in how property tax rates are calculated as his top accomplishment. Hamilton said the planning and execution of capital projects like landfills, bridges, libraries, rec centres, and municipal offices will be the defining challenge ahead.
“For Squamish to accomplish the long list of capital projects on the horizon, we will need to develop the tools to do more realistic cost forecasting, more effective cost escalation mitigation, and more efficient project execution,” he said.
French, now seeking a third councillor term, highlighted Brennan Park upgrades, two new fire halls, and the District’s growing partnership with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) as achievements he is most proud of. He said the partnership with Squamish Nation will help make future infrastructure projects (water and sewer services, waste management, recreation, housing) possible.
He listed housing as the defining issue facing the community.
“We need more of it, and we need to find ways to provide more housing at pricing that is accessible to young people, seniors and those living with fixed and low incomes,” French said. “This is an amazing place, and people want to live here.”
Stoner, who will have served eight years on council by election time, said the decision is deeply personal.
“I am weighing what another term would mean for me personally and my career outside of politics, what it would mean for my family with two young kids, and what’s needed by and for the community,” she said.
She credited progress on affordable housing, a new 10-year financial plan, infrastructure renewal, the Squamish Nation MOU and the youth council as highlights of her term. Stoner billed balancing infrastructure investment and growth as the number one issue facing Squamish, followed by updating the community plan, affordability, and economic growth and diversification.
Pettingill said his decision will partly depend on who else enters the race, noting he wants to see “collaborative, thoughtful, compassionate” candidates come forward. He pointed to major infrastructure investments (firehalls, watermains and wastewater treatment), transit investment, homelessness supports, secured daycare spaces, and the Squamish Nation MOU among his council’s accomplishments.
“Many people (including myself) are attracted by Squamish’s small-town feel. As fast as we’ve grown, I am proud that we’ve limited our sprawl into greenspace,” he said.
Pettingill flagged the upcoming Official Community Plan update as a main task if he runs next term, citing population growth/demographic change, income inequality, balanced arts/sports funding, accessibility and flood and natural hazard preparation as local priorities.
Andersen said he is focused on his current role and hasn’t decided whether to run or not. His main concern for Squamish is avoiding unbalanced growth, in which jobs, businesses, and amenities fail to keep pace with population growth.
“I am proud to have served many citizens and community groups with advice and assistance in working with municipal hall,” he said about his accomplishments this term.
He would continue working on relationships with the Squamish Nation, the province and the federal government, as well as planning for recreation and cultural facilities if he ran for another term.
The next municipal election in Squamish is scheduled for Oct. 17, 2026.
We’ll keep Anderson and Hamilton; the rest can just wander off, PLEASE. No more running on/electing in single issue candidates – those people can be lobbyists, not councillors.
Hamilton’s position on parking is inexcusable.