Kitimat’s upcoming municipal election strategy has officially gone to the dogs.
The District of Kitimat has launched a “Dog Mayor” campaign ahead of the Oct. 17, 2026 local general election, inviting residents of all ages to cast ballots on election day for one of two canine candidates in what may be the community’s most enthusiastic race for a largely ceremonial office.
Behind the initiative is Cameron Orr, the district’s business and communications manager, who said staff were trying to find a way to shake loose voter apathy after turnout in the 2022 election stalled at about 22 per cent.
“We were just trying to think of ways to get more voter turnout and make it a little more interesting,” Orr said. “It would be nice to attract the attention of future voters, get kids interested in this process.”
Children invested in the fate of a campaigning dog might pressure their parents into participating in the actual election, where human candidates will also be seeking office.
Adults, Orr confirmed, are also allowed to vote for the dogs.
The candidates are Gus and Koko, selected through what Orr acknowledged was less democratic and transparent as some would hope. The district was looking for large, kid-friendly dogs capable of handling public appearances such as the Canada Day Parade. Gus belongs to a district employee, while Koko belongs to a member of the Kitimat RCMP.
To which ever candidate wins, the office itself comes with limited executive authority. “I wouldn’t expect many of their campaign promises to pan out,” Orr said. “But we’ll find a way to keep the winner visible in the community as a good ambassador for future elections.”
That has not stopped the candidates from unveiling ambitious platforms.
Gus is campaigning on free universal pet healthcare, more fire hydrants and expanded poop bag access in local parks, promising “a better, and fuzzier future.”
Koko, meanwhile, is running on property tax reductions for dog owners, “dog days” at the local pool and pet-friendly emergency vehicle sirens.
The district notes on its campaign page that the platforms “do not represent actual campaign promises,” a disclaimer that may disappoint voters hoping for meaningful hydrant reform.
The campaign is also being used as a teaching tool. Orr has been visiting schools throughout Kitimat to talk about local government, elections and civic participation.
He admitted the students tend to have more questions about the dogs than participatory democracy itself, though he considers that a workable starting point.
Residents will be able to cast ballots for Dog Mayor at regular polling places on election day. The winning dog will serve a four-year ceremonial term alongside Kitimat’s actual mayor and council.