Frizzell launches bid for Prince George mayor

The veteran councillor enters the race with extensive municipal experience both locally and nationally. Frizzell previously served as president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, representing more than 2,000 municipalities across the country. During his tenure, he was involved in national advocacy efforts aimed at securing investments in infrastructure, public safety and community development.

Garth Frizzell launched his mayoral campaign in Prince George – August 5, 2026

Locally, he has chaired the city’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and has worked with provincial and federal governments on major projects and funding initiatives.

Economic development featured prominently in Frizzell’s announcement. He said Prince George faces significant challenges and opportunities as it works to strengthen its economic future amid ongoing changes in the forestry sector and broader economy.

“Potential alone isn’t enough,” he said. “We need resource industries. We need medical care. We need services and small business. And we need economic diversification that creates jobs we can count on.”

Frizzell pointed to his background in business and education as assets he would bring to the mayor’s office. Prior to his municipal career, he spent nearly a decade teaching economics and business at the College of New Caledonia and the University of Northern British Columbia. He also founded an award-winning software company that grew to employ 12 people and saw him work with municipalities in seven countries.

More recently, Frizzell said he helped guide Innovation Central through challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The councillor also referenced the closure of Canfor’s Prince George pulp and paper mill and the impact it had on local workers and families. He recalled speaking with a friend who learned of layoffs at a neighbourhood barbecue and said the experience reinforced the need for responsive leadership.

According to Frizzell, he immediately became involved in efforts to secure provincial community transition funding and advocate for bridge-to-retirement supports for affected workers.

Public safety is expected to be another key focus of his campaign.

Frizzell reflected on a fatal fire at the Columbus Hotel nearly two decades ago, describing it as a formative moment in his community involvement. He praised Prince George Fire Rescue for its response and said the city must continue addressing both immediate public safety concerns and underlying social issues.

“Every family deserves to feel secure walking home at night,” he said. “Public safety must be addressed at the root causes, not just the symptoms.”

Frizzell also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in local government, arguing that public confidence in institutions must be rebuilt.

“Trust is earned through transparency, integrity, and results,” he said.

Describing himself as a leader focused on practical outcomes rather than grand promises, Frizzell said his approach has always been to identify challenges, develop solutions and see projects through to completion.

Frizzell is the third person to enter the mayoral race – the others are fellow city councillor Kyle Sampson and Roy Stewart. Election Day is October 17.

Pattison Media is owned by Jim Pattison Industries, a majority shareholder in Canfor.

by CKPG News

Frizzell launches bid for Prince George mayor

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