Town of Smithers

08/24/2026

Tonight's the night - join the Town of Smithers and Facilitator Christina Benty for an interactive workshop from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Who is this workshop for? Everyone! Whether you are considering running for mayor or council, or want to learn more about local government, everyone is welcome.

08/24/2026

We want to remind everyone to please not leave donations at the encampment across from Town Hall.

We understand that many people in our community want to help those staying in the area, but while these donations are well-intentioned, they can create additional challenges including:
• More to remove during uplifts
• Fire hazards and other safety concerns
• Situations that may unintentionally put people staying in the area at risk.

If you have items you'd like to donate, please consider arranging to leave them with a local organization, thrift store, or community group that can distribute donations safely.

If you’d like to donate items, please connect with local organizations that can distribute them safely and effectively, such as a thrift store or other community group that may collect specific items like winter clothing as the weather gets colder.

Thank you for helping keep our community safe, respectful and supportive for everyone.

For more information on how the Town of Smithers is working to address homelessness in our community, please visit: www.smithers.ca/addressing-homelessness

08/21/2026

REMINDER: Don't miss our Pre-Election Workshop on Monday! We're excited for Christina Benty to come and share her expertise with our community 📣

🫶 We encourage both prospective candidates and residents interested in learning more about local government to come - everyone is welcome!

📅 Monday, August 24, 2026
⏰ 5:30 - 8:30 PM
📍 Council Chambers (1027 Aldous Street)

For Immediate Release #2026-04

08/21/2026

BC Wildfire Service has announced that effective at 12 p.m. (noon) PDT on Saturday, August 22, 2026, Category 2 open burning will be prohibited across the entire Northwest Fire Centre.

In addition to Category 2 and Category 3 open fires, the following activities and use of equipment, materials and substances will also be prohibited:
- Air curtain burners
- Carbonizers
- Binary exploding targets
- Fireworks, as defined in the Fireworks Act of BC
- Burn barrels or burn cages of any size and description
- Controlled air incinerators

For more information about the planned prohibition, visit: https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/category-2-open-fire-prohibition-planned-for-the-northwest-fire-centre/

For information about Outdoor Burning in the Town of Smithers, visit: https://www.smithers.ca/public-safety/fire-rescue-services/outdoor-burning

08/20/2026

08/20/2026

UPDATE: The owner has been found.

Is this your dog? This friendly guy was picked up around the Bulkley Valley Christian School today, just after 11 a.m. on August 20. He appears to have broken free from where he was tied up and was still wearing his harness when he was found.

If you recognize him, please call Town Hall today before 3:30 p.m. to claim him 🐾

08/19/2026

You've been ticketed!
.. but don't worry, this is one you'll be happy to receive 😀

✅ The Town of Smithers' Community Safety Officers are handing out positive tickets to catch people doing good things in the community!

🚲 Helmet on while riding your bike? You might get a ticket (and a free ice cream!).

🐕 Keeping your dog on a leash? You might get a ticket (and your pooch might get a treat)!

These positive tickets are about recognizing the little things people do to make Smithers a safer community for everyone 🫶

08/19/2026

Are you considering putting your name forward in the 2026 Local Government Election? 🗳

Nomination packages are available now for pickup at Town Hall (1027 Aldous Street) during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding statutory holidays).

The nomination period opens at 9:00 AM on September 1, 2026 and closes at 4:00 PM on September 11, 2026 for:
➡️ One (1) Mayor for the Town of Smithers
➡️ Six (6) Councillors for the Town of Smithers
➡️ Three (3) School Trustees for School District No. 54, Zone 2 (Smithers/Glentanna/Driftwood)

Prospective candidates are encouraged to attend the Smithers Pre-Election Workshop with Christina Benty to learn more about local government, the role of elected officials, and what to expect as a candidate.

📅August 24, 2026
⏰5:30 to 8:30 PM
📍Smithers Council Chambers, 1027 Aldous Street

For more information about the Pre-Election Workshop visit: https://www.smithers.ca/news-notices/press-release-2026-04-town-smithers-and-village-telkwa-host-pre-election-workshops

Questions about nomination packages? Contact Town Hall at 250-847-1600 or visit: https://www.smithers.ca/town-hall/town-council/municipal-election/candidate-information

08/18/2026

Bear with us…

We've had increased reports of bear sightings on the Perimeter Trail, particularly around Riverside Campground 🐻

A reminder to be Bear Aware:
✅ Make noise as you walk or bike to let bears know you're nearby.
✅ Travel in a group whenever possible.
✅ Stick to marked trails, and only hike or bike during daylight hours.
✅ Keep pets on a leash at all times, including in off-leash areas.
✅ Bears may see unleashed dogs as a threat and become aggressive.
✅ Give bears space, especially mama bears with cubs.
✅ Stop, remain calm, and do not face away, scream, or run if you encounter a bear.
✅ Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Report an aggressive bear or injured animal to the Conservation Officer Service through the 24-hour hotline at 1-877-952-7277.

For more information on what to do if you encounter a bear, visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/human-wildlife-conflict/staying-safe-around-wildlife/bears

08/18/2026

Yesterday Desert Hills Ranch dropped off a very generous haul of fruits and vegetables at Town Hall.

Thank you to Desert Hills for this thoughtful donation! We're grateful to have been able to pass it along to the Salvation Army, who will distribute it and pass it along to other service providers in the community.