The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality’s newly elected council is settling into its roles for the next four years, with Mayor Rob Fraser and six regional councillors taking on portfolios covering everything from public safety and health care to tourism, agriculture and education.
At Monday’s inaugural council meeting following the 2026 B.C. municipal election, elected officials were sworn into office and assignments were made for the 2026-2030 term.
Fraser will oversee the public safety portfolio, which includes municipal services such as water and sewer infrastructure, road safety and maintenance, fire rescue and emergency management. It also covers work with external agencies involved in policing, wildlife management and other emergency services.
Each regional councillor will also take responsibility for a specific portfolio, helping council stay connected with local organizations, government agencies and community priorities.
Regional Councillor Kim Eglinski will handle health and seniors’ affairs. The role includes maintaining relationships with Northern Health, B.C. Ambulance and Fort Nelson General Hospital, as well as connecting with local seniors and organizations that support their needs.
Regional Councillor Brenda Enax has been assigned tourism, arts and heritage. Her portfolio focuses on sustainable tourism development, regional marketing, arts and cultural activities, and preserving and promoting local heritage.
Regional Councillor Danny Soles will oversee agriculture, with a focus on agricultural land use, local food production, supporting growers and improving regional market access. The portfolio also includes initiatives such as organic waste diversion and composting.
Regional Councillor Melinda Belleau will take on recreation and parks, covering recreation planning and development, municipal parks, campgrounds, trails and other outdoor spaces across the region.
Regional Councillor Ian Langstaff will be responsible for education, including connections with Northern Lights College, School District 81, the University of Northern British Columbia and industry training programs. The goal is to support skills development and help the region attract and retain a skilled workforce.
Regional Councillor Bruce Deinstadt will oversee natural resource stewardship and land use. That includes wildlife management, land-use planning, protected areas, wildfire resilience, forest management, energy and environmental safety, and regional infrastructure.
Council also appointed a rotating schedule of acting mayors for the year. Langstaff will serve in January and February, followed by Deinstadt in March and April, Eglinski in May and June, Soles in July and August, Belleau in September and October, and Soles again in November and December.
Beyond their individual portfolios, councillors have been appointed to a range of committees and community organizations, including the Community FireSmart and Resiliency Committee, Primary Care Stabilization Committee and Tourism Advisory Committee.
The assignments give each member of council a specific area of focus while allowing the full regional council to work together on decisions affecting the Northern Rockies throughout the 2026-2030 term.
