In response to an overflowing local hall resulting in people turned away, a second mayoral candidates forum in Ladysmith happens Monday, Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Aggie Hall. (file photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

by-election

High public interest leads to second Ladysmith mayoral forum

Feb 23, 2025 | 5:58 AM

LADYSMITH — It appears people in Ladysmith are paying close attention to who will be next to sit in the community’s mayor’s chair.

Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Ladysmith Downtown Business Association, are hosting a mayoral candidates forum on Monday, Feb 24 at Aggie Hall at 1110 1st Ave.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening a half-hour prior.

Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce executive director Roberta Bowman told NanaimoNewsNOW the forum is in response to about 100 people being turned away from an at-capacity mayoral candidates event on Feb. 10 at Eagles Hall.

“With the turning away such a large group of the community, folks turned to us and asked us to hold a second forum,” Bowman said.

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As many as 150 people will be able to attend Monday evening’s event Bowman said, which will be live-streamed and archived for those who can’t attend.

“All five candidates will be in attendance. One candidate will be joining remotely due to other commitments.”

Bowman said the forum opens with each candidate allotted two minutes to speak to four pre-selected questions regarding: leadership/vision, housing development and infrastructure, economic development/local business, and the environment/public safety.

Candidates will be unaware of randomly selected, publicly submitted questions, Bowman said.

Each candidate will have three rebuttal cards in which responses capped at one minute can be made.

Tee Hanssen is scheduled to attend Monday’s mayoral forum virtually.

Ladysmith’s other mayoral candidates are: Russ Barling, Deena Beston, Raymon Travis Farmere, and Joe Friesenhan.

Murray McNab withdrew his candidacy for the position.

Ladysmith Downtown Business Association president Brianne Mactier is moderating Monday night’s forum.

Those hoping to submit questions can do so online until noon on Monday.

General election day for Ladysmith’s mayoral by-election is on Saturday March 1 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Frank Jameson Community Centre.

A second and final advance voting opportunity takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Ladysmith City Hall from 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Ladysmith residents are selecting a new mayor after longtime mayor Aaron Stone stepped down last September for a new job in Victoria.

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