Fernie City Councillor Harshan Ramadass Launches Campaign for Mayor of Fernie

FERNIE, BC — Serving Fernie City Councillor Harshan Ramadass has officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of Fernie in the upcoming municipal election on October 17, 2026.

Ramadass is running on a platform focused on pragmatic, results-oriented leadership, clear accountability, and applying rigour to Fernie’s $35 million municipal budget. His campaign emphasizes overcoming municipal inertia, building council consensus, and transitioning the city from planning to concrete delivery.

"Fernie needs focused leadership that can make hard decisions, manage taxpayer dollars responsibly, and deliver on the core systems our town depends on," said Ramadass. "My commitment is to bring clear priorities, disciplined budget management, and steady execution to City Hall on day one."

The Ramadass campaign centers on five core commitments:

• 1. Prioritize: Establish a clear, ranked agenda at the start of the term and maintain the focus required to complete it; make direct decisions on project sequencing; and work directly with provincial ministers to resolve regulatory uncertainty.
   

• 2. Deliver Infrastructure: Adhere strictly to the timeline for the wastewater inflow-reduction program and treatment plant upgrades; institute a funded, multi-year maintenance schedule for streets, facilities, and pavements; and finance projects transparently using a balanced mix of grants, debt, and reserves.
   

• 3. Make Fernie Livable & Affordable: Ensure core municipal services run on time (including snow clearing, waste collection, and permit issuance); collaborate with homebuilders and the province to unlock missing-middle housing, purpose-built rentals, and targeted density; and ensure every municipal budget line item directly benefits residents.
   

• 4. Strengthen Partnerships: Bring the Fernie Trails Alliance in as an official City partner by 2027; increase discretionary grant funding as the tax base expands; appoint council liaisons to key community organizations on inauguration night; and commit to facility upgrade schedules.
   

• 5. Open for Business: Eliminate unnecessary permitting delays; attract and retain quality private investment that creates sustainable local jobs; and establish City Hall as a constructive partner in local economic development.

General local election voting day will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026.For full platform details, visit ramadassformayor.ca. Media Contact: Campaign of Harshan Ramadass, @email. Website: ramadassformayor.ca