Harshan Ramadass has been elected mayor of Fernie in British Columbia, Canada, following the province’s 2026 municipal elections. Meanwhile, Indian-origin leader Surinderpal Rathor has secured a second term as mayor of Williams Lake.
Ramadass defeated fellow councillor Kyle Hamilton, receiving 1,524 votes, or 54.5% of the total. Hamilton received 1,194 votes, according to the reported election results.
Following his victory, Ramadass thanked Fernie residents for their support and said the result reflected the community’s desire to move forward. He highlighted collaboration, accountability and prioritising local interests as key principles for his administration.
The newly elected mayor also expressed his intention to work with the incoming council and residents to translate his campaign vision into action.
Surinderpal Rathor Wins Second Term in Williams Lake
In Williams Lake, Surinderpal Rathor secured re-election with 2,116 votes, defeating opponent Walt Cobb by more than 1,000 votes.
Rathor thanked voters, his family, campaign team and supporters, expressing his commitment to continuing his work for the community.
His political career in Williams Lake spans more than three decades. He was first elected to the city council in 1993 and served as a councillor for over 20 years before becoming mayor in 2022.
Rathor moved to Williams Lake in 1974 after immigrating from India at the age of 21. He had previously lost mayoral contests to Cobb in 2014 and 2018 before winning the position in 2022.
His latest victory secures another term leading the city.
British Columbia Municipal Elections 2026
Residents across British Columbia voted on Saturday in the 2026 municipal elections. Voting covered mayoral positions, municipal councils, regional district directors, school board trustees and selected park boards, along with elections involving the Islands Trust.
The victories of Ramadass and Rathor highlight the participation of Indo-Canadian leaders in local government. Their new terms will place them in charge of municipal responsibilities and community priorities in their respective cities.
Ramadass begins his first term as Fernie’s mayor, while Rathor will continue for a second term in Williams Lake. Both leaders have expressed gratitude to voters and a commitment to serving their communities.
For official municipal information, visit the City of Fernie and the City of Williams Lake.
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