Mayor of Mackenzie Joan Atkinson stepping down at end of her term

May 5, 2026 | 1:35 PM

MACKENZIE — After 17 years in municipal office, Mackenzie Mayor Joan Atkinson says she will not seek re-election, closing a chapter defined by economic upheaval, forestry crises, and hard-won policy gains.

Atkinson was first elected to the council in 2007 and became mayor in 2018. Her transition to mayor coincided with the immediate loss of more than 400 jobs in the resource-dependent northern community.

Instead of stepping back, Atkinson took an active role. She helped establish the Mackenzie Timber Supply Area Coalition, one of only two such coalitions in British Columbia, and lobbied the provincial government to change the interior appraisal manual. These changes now provide Mackenzie with special consideration when calculating harvesting costs in remote areas of its timber supply area.

“This isn’t quite what I signed up for,” she said, “but I knew I needed to take responsibility.”

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The community forest partnership between the District of Mackenzie and McLeod Lake Indian Band has also been a source of pride. Each partner has received roughly $4 million in dividends over the past decade, with hundreds of thousands of dollars distributed annually to local non-profit societies.

Councillor Jessie Wright, who has served alongside Atkinson for four years, said Atkinson’s leadership through multiple crises, including a forestry downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic, has set a strong example for the role.

“She is, I think, what every community would want in their mayor,” Wright said.

Atkinson acknowledged the emotional challenges of her years in public service and credited residents for showing restraint and respect during difficult times.

“I’ve had some harsh words thrown at me,” she said, “but I recognize it’s often just the heat of the moment and people are frustrated.”

She confirmed she is considering running for a council seat and said she has no plans to leave Mackenzie.

by Dave Branco

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Mayor of Mackenzie Joan Atkinson stepping down at end of her term

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