Meet your Candidates for Mayor of Williams Lake

The Municipal Election will be held on Oct. 17.

Ahead of Voting Day, My Cariboo Now reached out to both candidates and asked five questions about their vision as potential Mayor of Williams Lake.

The five questions were:

1. Provide a brief bio of yourself.
2. Why are you running for Mayor, and what makes you the best candidate for the position?
3. What do you see as the most important issues in Williams Lake, and how do you plan to address them?
4. What is your vision for Williams Lake?
5. Finally, what would you like to add?

Here is how the Candidates for Mayor in Williams Lake answered.

Answers are in alphabetical order by candidates’ last name.

Walter Cobb

1.  I have lived in the Cariboo for most of my life.  I graduated in Williams Lake, married, raised my family, have seven grandchildren, and operated Walt’s Men’s Shop for over 40 years.  I have served as an elected official at both the City and Provincial level.   I have sat on and chaired many groups and organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, Sr. Housing, and the Barkerville Heritage Trust. I also represented Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Clinton, and the Cariboo Regional District during the Cariboo Chilcotin Land Use Plan.
2. The decision to run for Mayor was made mainly because people in the community encouraged me to run.    I believe my experience with both levels of government makes me the best choice to deal with the many issues requiring provincial government attention.
3. I don’t think there is one most important issue.  Economic stability, homelessness, and crime probably top the list.  As stated earlier, these issues must be addressed by senior levels of government, and my experience will help provide that connection.
4. My vision is for our community to diversify.  We have main industries like mining, logging, and agriculture, but given the area’s beauty, expanding the tourism industry is one option. That expansion or growth requires the Council to facilitate such business through zoning and other measures. There is also a need to expand our sports facilities to keep residents fit and healthy.
5. Williams Lake is the Hub of the Cariboo, as it has been said, and we rely on our surrounding communities and industry for our business to flourish.

Surinderpal Rathor (incumbent)

1. Williams Lake has been my home for 52 years, with four generations of my family rooted here. I served on Council from 1993 to 2014 and was elected mayor in 2022.
2. I’m running for re-election to continue delivering results for our community. My experience, strong relationships and commitment to listening allow me to advocate effectively for Williams Lake. As a retired resident, I devote 50–60 hours weekly to City business.
3. Public safety, housing, health care, jobs and affordability are priorities. I will work with police, government and community partners to address crime, support housing, strengthen health services, protect local employment and secure funding that reduces pressure on taxpayers.
4. A safe, affordable and prosperous community where all generations can thrive. That means responsible finances, reliable infrastructure, strong businesses and opportunities for recreation, education and employment.
5. I will champion paying off our remaining debt and advancing our hospital, water treatment plant, Marie Sharpe School and proposed indoor sports facility. I’m elected by you to serve you. Together we can.

***

Our deepest thanks to the Mayoral Candidates in Williams Lake for taking the time to respond and answer My Cariboo Now‘s questionnaire.

General Voting Day for the 2026 Municipal Election is on Oct. 17.

Polling stations will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.