2026 Municipal Election: Meet the Burns Lake mayoral candidates

The Municipal Election will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17.

My Bulkley Lakes Now reached out to each candidate running for Mayor in Burns Lake for their responses to the following five questions:

1. Can you provide a brief bio of yourself?
2. Why are you running for mayor of Burns Lake, and what makes you the best candidate for the position?
3. What are the most important issues in Burns Lake and how do you plan to address them?
4. What is your vision for Burns Lake over the next four years?
5. Are there any final thoughts on any topic that you would like to share?

IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER (Last Name):

Aron Derksen:

My Bulkley Lakes Now reached out to Aron Derksen but did not receive a response before publication.

Laurel Derksen:

I am Laurel Derksen, owner and primary of the Rogues Gallery barber shop in Burns Lake. I was born and raised in BL and we have four generations here. I’ve worked in the hair industry for 30 years and have owned my business for nine years.

Charlie Rensby:

I was born and raised in Burns Lake. My employment background has primarily been in the resource sector, including mining and logging, and I’m currently the longest-serving member of Burns Lake Village Council. I’ve also spent many years involved in community service and local organizations.

Karanjeet Singh:

My name is Karanjeet Singh, and I have called Burns Lake home since 2019. I originally moved here for work and stayed because of the welcoming people, natural surroundings and quieter lifestyle.

I own KSingh Contractors Ltd., working on residential and commercial construction, new build, renovations and community facilities across Northern B.C., with our operations also expanding into Southern Alberta. My responsibilities include managing budgets, crews, schedules and project delivery.

Through my work, I have built positive relationships with many First Nations communities across B.C. These experiences have taught me the importance of listening, respecting different priorities and following through on commitments. Burns Lake has given me opportunities, and I want to contribute to its future.

2. Why are you running for mayor of Burns Lake, and what makes you the best candidate for the position?

Laurel Derksen:

I am running for office now because I have always had ideas and opinions about life here but wasn’t sure if I would stay here forever. Now I know I’ll not move on again and so I decided to try to work towards seeing through my ideas.

I believe I am a good candidate because I don’t consider myself as strong left or right in politics but somewhere down the middle. That seems to be missing in our political system these days. I will look at both sides and then cast my vote.

Charlie Rensby:

I’m running for mayor because I believe Burns Lake has a strong foundation and I want to help lead our community into its next chapter. After many years on council, I understand the mechanics of local government, how decisions become action, and the relationships needed to get things done. I want to put that experience to work for Burns Lake.

Karanjeet Singh:

I am running because I want Burns Lake to offer more opportunities while remaining affordable for the people who call it home.

I bring practical experience turning plans into completed projects. Running a construction business means understanding budgets, coordinating people, solving problems and being accountable for results. I would bring that same approach to municipal leadership.

My experience working with First Nations communities also gives me a foundation for building stronger partnerships. I respect the knowledge and hard work of Village staff and understand that progress requires cooperation with council, residents and other governments.

What makes me a strong candidate is that combination of hands-on experience, financial discipline and relationship building. I am prepared to listen, explain my decisions and take responsibility for the work.

3. What are the most important issues in Burns Lake and how do you plan to address them?

Laurel Derksen:

The important issues facing us are, in my opinion, our growth as a town re new business openings. There are too many empty storefronts and our population seems to be growing. We need more lower income housing for families and seniors because home ownership is out of reach for many people who are only able to get part time work or are single parents.

On the lighter side, I would like to see a public swimming pool built. We see families going to Houston to the pool and spending time and money in another community.

Ideas are easy to come up with but making it happen can be difficult especially when there are so many opinions about what is most important.

Charlie Rensby:

I believe our biggest priorities are housing, infrastructure, and building a strong local economy with the workforce to support it. Without breaking the taxpayer. We need to keep working on housing and infrastructure while advocating for healthcare recruitment, local training opportunities and economic development. These are long-term challenges that require practical solutions and strong partnerships.

Karanjeet Singh:

My priorities are affordability, housing, employment and community safety.

On affordability, I would work with the council toward avoiding residential municipal property tax increases over the next four years. I would review spending, protect essential services and examine the ongoing costs of proposed projects. Expanding our tax base through sound development can help ease pressure on existing taxpayers.

For housing, I would support our local seniors’ association and nonprofit housing organizations in pursuing funding and partnerships to create more affordable, accessible homes. Seniors should be able to stay in Burns Lake, close to their families and the community they call home.

For employment, I would support local businesses, work with forestry employers, workers and families, develop tourism opportunities and pursue partnerships with employers and training providers to expand skilled-trades training.

For safety and everyday services, I would work with the RCMP, community service providers and residents on practical priorities, including safer public spaces, roads, sidewalks and reliable snow removal. Every initiative needs a realistic budget, clear responsibilities and a way to measure progress.

4. What is your vision for Burns Lake over the next four years?

Laurel Derksen:

(Editor’s Note: No response was provided to this question.)

Charlie Rensby:

My vision is for Burns Lake to continue growing responsibly, with the housing, infrastructure, workforce and economic opportunities needed to support that growth. At the same time, I want to maintain the strong community spirit and relationships that make Burns Lake a great place to live.

Karanjeet Singh:

My vision is a Burns Lake where people can find work, access housing, start a business and build their future.

Over four years, I want to see more homes completed, new business investment, stronger support for forestry and tourism, and more opportunities in skilled trades. Residents should be able to see clear project priorities, timelines and regular progress updates.

I also want to bring the Village, local First Nations governments and community organizations together. I would propose a joint advisory and planning committee, developed with interested partners and representatives from participating communities, to identify shared priorities.

I would explore community-owned business opportunities where a sound business case demonstrates public benefit. Grants can help us move projects forward, but we also need dependable revenue to maintain services over the long term.

My vision is simple: Growing Opportunity. Keeping Life Affordable.

5. Are there any final thoughts on any topic that you would like to share?

Laurel Derksen:

Lastly, I think I represent a sort of forgotten demographic, non traditional in my thinking and self-educated. I rent my home, drive a used car and have struggled to pay the bills sometimes. I’ve worked my whole life in the service industry and can understand what it takes to represent myself and my community in the best light.

Charlie Rensby:

I’m proud to call Burns Lake home, and incredibly grateful for the team I’ve been blessed to work with over the past eight years. So much of what we’ve accomplished has been a team effort, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together. I’m asking for the opportunity to continue that work and help lead Burns Lake into its next chapter.

Karanjeet Singh:

I am grateful for the opportunities Burns Lake has given me. I want to give back through public service, and, if elected, I intend to serve without taking a salary from the Village.

I welcome questions about my experience and proposals. People do not have to agree with me to be heard and treated with respect. I want residents to feel comfortable sharing concerns and bringing forward ideas.

This campaign has tested me, but it has also strengthened my determination to participate and offer people a choice. I am committed to listening, working with others and being accountable for the commitments I make.

Editor’s Note: My Bulkley Lakes Now would like to thank the two candidates for taking the time to respond to our questions. Reading their responses should better prepare each voter for the candidate of their choice.

Voting stations will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Lakeside Multiplex.