CSRD board approves raises to Directors ahead of local elections

Aug 23, 2026 | 2:08 PM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Board approved changes to its remuneration bylaw, which will give raises to Electoral Area and Municipal Directors — but not until after the 2026 Local General Election.

The CSRD said this bylaw — which will come into effect on January 1, 2027 — is intended to bring compensation for its elected officials closer to being aligned with rates in comparable local governments.

According to the CSRD, pay rates for elected officials have not been reviewed since the previous bylaw came into effect on January 1, 2019.

“Under the new bylaw, the annual stipend for Electoral Area Directors will increase from $28,905 to $36,100 in 2027, while Municipal Directors will see their stipend rise from $18,852 to $21,100. The Board Chair’s additional stipend will increase from $27,651 to $31,700 in 2027, while the Vice-Chair’s will rise to $6,340,” said the CSRD.

The CSRD said the change brings its compensation rates into the 60th percentile among comparable local governments.

Week in Review

Week in Review: Week of August 17, 2026

Aug 22, 2026

Two & Out

PETERS: On camping, the environment and personal ethics

Aug 21, 2026

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: August 20, 2026

Aug 20, 2026

The updated bylaw also includes access to the Union of BC Municipalities Group Benefits Plan for Electoral Area Directors, reimbursement of eligible family caregiver expenses up to $2,000 per year, and an increase in travel time remuneration from 20 cents to 30 cents per kilometre.

“The Group Benefits and Family Caregiver allowance is designed to remove barriers for people looking to serve in elected office, providing for their mental and physical health, as well as providing reimbursement for family care obligations,” said the CSRD.

The proposed changes were reviewed and approved by the Directors Remuneration Review Committee, which is made up of four elected officials and two senior staff members.

“The committee examined Director remuneration in detail and considered both the increasing workload requirements of elected officials and the need for fiscal responsibility,” said Board Chair Natalya Melnychuk.

“While opinions differed, the Board has now provided clear direction for remuneration moving forward and has addressed barriers that can make it challenging for people to serve in local government. This decision provides transparency for all potential candidates in the upcoming election.”

by Elora McCormack

Click here to report an error or typo in this article

CSRD board approves raises to Directors ahead of local elections

Our Community