How much can you spend running for council, mayor or school trustee in BC?

In 103 of 165 BC municipalities the council cap is the floor of $6,161.89. In the largest cities the cap is high enough that the harder limit is what you can raise at $1,429.70 per donor. Plan the budget backwards from the cap and the donors you can reach.

The limit depends on the office and the population of the election area. Under 10,000 people it is a flat $12,323.78 for mayor and $6,161.89 for every other office. Above that a per-person formula applies in four steps. The province adjusts every amount for inflation since 2019.

The francophone regional trustee limit is set separately at $30,809.45.

Only during the campaign period. In 2026 that runs from September 19 to the close of voting on general voting day. Anything you use in that window counts at its full value, even if you bought it earlier. Signs printed in August and put up in September count against the limit.

Anything of value used to promote your campaign counts: signs, brochures, ads, social media ads, your website, photos, polling, paid canvassing, office rent and bank fees. Reused signs count at the cost of buying new ones. Your nomination deposit, volunteer time and your own labour do not count.

In 2026 each donor can give up to $1,429.70 per campaign. Donors must be BC residents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Businesses, unions and other organizations cannot give. The limit resets each January.

Going over is an offence. An unendorsed candidate can face a penalty of up to twice the amount they overspent, and an elected candidate loses the seat. Your financial agent should track spending against the limit through the whole campaign period.