Wells Municipal Election 2026

Jillian Merrick: Vision. Experience. Grit.

Jillian’s political career began at age 22 when she was elected as the student President of UNBC’s Student Union. Since then, she has had twenty years of leadership history in community-based projects, public service, and business development across the northern interior of British Columbia. She holds a BA Honours in Economics and International Studies and a Certificate in Public Administration from UNBC. She has worked as a business consultant and business development leader with specializations in forestry, agricultural, tourism, and non-profit enterprise.

Jillian gained a wealth of municipal government experience when she was elected Councillor for the City of Prince George age the of 30, the youngest ever at the time. On council, she earned a reputation as a hard-working, well-researched, and bold advocate for community. At the same time, she was also elected as a Director of Integris Credit Union, a multi-million dollar cooperative, where she gained knowledge of personal and business finance networks across the province.

In 2018, Jillian purchased a home in Wells for less than the cost of a used truck and relocated to start a new job at Barkerville Historic Town & Park. She was quickly promoted to a management position and took on several community service roles, including volunteer director of Island Mountain Arts and the Wells Chamber of Commerce. She has also been quietly running whatsupinwells.com, a regularly updated community event and amenity directory for the last six years. In 2022, Jillian purchased the Wells Hotel and has served as the Operating Owner ever since. In four years, with virtually no start-up funds, Jillian has transformed the Wells Hotel, bootstrapping from within, tripling the business, and growing a myriad of meaningful and lasting local business and employment partnerships.

Driving Jillian through these demanding experiences has always been a strong vision. Jillian is passionate about Wells as a vibrant, connected community with year-round affordability, art, history, and wilderness for visitors and residents alike. This vision remains but is obscured by massive and rapid changes to the economic, environmental, and social landscape of Wells. A pivotal time has come to step up and help her community navigate some incredibly complex challenges. With vision, experience, and grit, she’s ready to hit the ground running.

This bio was written by Jillian without the use of AI. Expect a few grammatical errors as it is inherently human.

Her detailed resume and bio can be found at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newjillenium/

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Rocky Nenka is a candidate for mayor of Wells, British Columbia, a status Indigenous person and a member of Beaver First Nation. He brings more than 30 years of experience in hospitality, tourism, heritage operations, business development and Indigenous economic development.

His work has included Kwantlen First Nation, Fort Langley National Historic Site, the Powerhouse at Stave Falls, Cottonwood House Historic Site, and Barkerville Historic Town and Park. He has served Indigenous Tourism BC as a director and as the Regional Indigenous Tourism Specialist for the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. His experience also includes work with Lhtako Dene Nation and Mason and Daly General Merchants.

Nenka is a former employee and board member of the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC. He currently serves on the executive of the New Pathways to Gold Society and on the Cariboo Regional District Heritage Steering Committee, and is active in Wells’ community work on parks and infrastructure.

Nenka and his partner, Tyler, moved to Wells in 2019, bought and renovated an old mining house, and made the community their home. His love of wildlife, outdoor exploration and being a tourist in his own backyard complements a career connecting people with place.

His Beaver upbringing informs his commitment to stewardship, respectful listening and responsibility to future generations. His campaign focuses on Wells 2050; Build Wells Strong, including his Wells Ready home-plan proposal; reliable services and a caring community; a four season destination economy; and partnerships and accountability.

Nenka advocates a prepared, respectful and persistent approach to the mine, with public reporting on existing commitments, action on community impacts and negotiations for lasting local benefits. His aim is to protect what people value about Wells while building housing, services and livelihoods that remain strong beyond the mining cycle.

Media contact: rocky4mayor2026@gmail.com | 236-587-7625

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My name is Eric Andersen, and I am running for Councillor for the District of Wells. I am a local business owner and employer, operating EA Works Construction as well as Jack O’ Clubs General Store/Pub.

Living and doing business in Wells has given me a firsthand understanding of both the challenges our community faces and the opportunities ahead of us. I believe Wells is entering an important period of change, and I want to contribute practical experience, responsible financial decision-making and a strong work ethic to Council.

Some of the issues that are particularly important to me are housing and planning for our future infrastructure. I would like to see more of Wells’ older homes and buildings repaired and brought back into use while preserving the historic character and charm that make our community unique.

I believe we can welcome new opportunities and responsible growth without losing what makes Wells special.

I am running because I care about the long-term future of our community and want to help make Wells a strong, sustainable and welcoming place to live, work, raise a family and operate a business.

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When I moved to Wells, I felt an instant connection with the people, and with Wells’ specific charm. I knew I wanted to put down roots here. Running for council is my way to give back by lending my voice to everyone who has welcomed me with open arms.

Since 2024, I have worked in many of the institutions that define Wells. I’m a coordinator for the ArtsWells festival. I have worked at Barkerville and the Jack of Clubs. I’ve helped many of you at the post office sending letters to loved ones or served you a drink and a meal after a long day. I have heard your stories and frustrations. Now, as an administrator for a local construction company, I also have some insight into the industrial and mining activities. All of it has just made me fall deeper in love with this town.

I strongly believe that all these different facets can co-exist. I am for the arts. I am for tourism. I am for industry and mining, as long as it doesn’t come at too high of  a cost. I am for balance, sanity, and accountability. I understand this is a challenging time for our arts and tourism sector, as well as our residents. We are facing a housing crisis and a lot of change in a small amount of time. I may not have official political experience, but I care deeply about this community. I am asking for your vote to represent you on this council because now more than ever, we need to come together. 

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My name is Miriam Dumitra, though you may also know me as Hartmann, the Barkerville blacksmith. I have decided to put my name forward as councillor for Wells because I care about this community and am making it my permanent home.

I have been spending my summers in Wells since 2021 and have had my permanent address here since 2024. I first moved for the opportunity to work as a blacksmith, but the area’s connection to history, beautiful nature, and tight-knit community convinced me to stay.

I have long been interested in the workings of government and how it impacts people. This started when I became a citizen in 2019 and could first actively engage with the democratic process. It increased during the pandemic, when I began to more closely follow news and politics. In 2024 I had the opportunity to participate in the BC Legislative Internship Program. There, I got a close-up view of provincial politics including a stint with the Ministry of Finance (in their Gender Equity Office) and a non-partisan position with the Green Caucus. I got to read and evaluate legislation, attend constituent meetings, and wade through the government’s budget. I bring solid financial understanding to the table, my perspective as a young person, and a calm, analytical approach.

I look forward to talking with community members about the changes and issues facing Wells and will strive to listen, learn, and work to build a sustainable future for our town.

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I am running for this position as a long time resident of Wells. I believe that experience and knowledge of Municipal Government are foundations are the benefit that I possess.

Former Councillor in the District of Wells

14 years experience as a Senior Recreation Manager in the District of Kitimat responsible for a budget of

1 and a half million dollars

I believe in this community and feel that I can assist in the transition that we are currently going through. I have lived in historic mining days when we had 2 operating mines, through to the transitions of the tourism and recreation economy and worked in it. These are disturbing times and we will have to work together to preserve our values while improving our economy for long time survival.

I would be pleased to talk with anyone interested and I can be reached at (250) 255-0804 by phone or text.

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I have lived in Wells on and off for the better part of 10 years. Many of you might recognize me from Barkerville where I have made a career working as a Historic Interpreter. Last year I decided to make Wells my permanent home by purchasing a heritage home with my fiance who is a local business owner and contractor. Outside of Barkerville, my background includes work in tourism, heritage, hospitality, and theatre across British Columbia. Because of this, as well as my personal relationships, I bring a unique perspective that bridges the gap between arts, tourism and industry.

I fell in love with the charm of Wells and aim to make sure that magic continues on in the coming years for new Wells residents, summer staff as well as tourists. 

I am running for council this year because I want to see a lasting future for Wells that outlives the lifespan of the Mine and benefits future Wells generations to come. 

That future involves addressing the shortage of housing for both short and long term residents, improving local infrastructure, creating more of a year round tourist destination by working with local sites and amenities, and making sure the arts and artists of the community continue to have spaces to thrive in. 

Wells needs less divide and more accountable relationships and partnerships. Lets create a Wells that we all are proud to be a part of. We are built on gold, and gold will always be a part of us, so let’s make the gold work for us.

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It’s an honour to put my name forward in service of the District of Wells as a Town Councillor.

I’ve called Wells home for six years as of the end of September, 2026. I care deeply about this place and the impact our work now will have on generations to come. Our next mayor and council will be handed the monumental task of balancing the three pillars of sustainability –  economic, social and environmental – so that Wells may work towards the vision of a wholistic community as outlined in the 2024 Official Community Plan. I know this will not be a simple task. 

As a councillor, I would bring a strong background in administration and governance, with 10+ years working on and for non-profit boards. I have sat on several committees for the District of Wells, including the committee that helped shape the OCP, the Emergency Management and Preparedness Committee and the Buildings and Lands Committee. With the event management work that I have done as a part of my work through Island Mountain Arts, I also have working relationships with the RCMP, EHS and the Volunteer Fire Brigade, as well as larger industry-centric associations like the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association. 

My gratitude to fellow nominees that have put their names forward for the upcoming election and to the outgoing administration for their work in complex circumstances. Working in Wells for the past six years has been working in complex circumstances. I do my best in my work to approach issues from all angles. I hope to apply all that I have learned to unlock a better understanding of how communities function, and to continue to show up for the people who live here, the people who love it here, and the people who will be here after we are gone.

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Mischele Stevens is a Wells resident, business owner and community member who believes in preserving what makes Wells such a special place to live while planning thoughtfully for its future with fiscal responsibility.

With a background in business leadership, tourism, event management and property development, Mischele brings experience in financial oversight, project planning, problem-solving and working collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds. She believes responsible decision-making, good planning and careful use of resources are especially important
in our small community.

Mischele values Wells for its unique character, rich history, vibrant community and, most importantly, the people who call it home. As a candidate for Council, she hopes to contribute her experience, listen to residents, and encourage open, respectful communication. She believes different perspectives are an important part of a healthy community and that residents should feel informed about the decisions that affect them.

Having regularly attended Council meetings for over a year, Mischele also recognizes that municipal information isn’t always easy to follow. On her website, www.wellsfirst.ca, she created “Council in Plain English,” which provides short, easy-to-understand overviews of Council meetings, key decisions, and what they may mean for Wells. The summaries give residents
another way to stay informed, even when they can’t attend meetings themselves.

Her approach is simple: listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, work together, and keep Wells’ long-term interests in mind.

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I am running for re-election. I am a long term resident of Wells (about 15 years). As I have a mechanical engineer degree and am self-employed my schedule is flexible and I can be available whenever I am needed. I saw a need on council for someone with my skills.

I bring technical, computer and electronic skills to the table. I can understand and advise on many projects, from wire gauge for roofing material thicknesses to interpreting technical documents related to the mine project.

Since the mine is here, I have been working on keeping their feet to the fire to ensure they are meeting their legal obligations as well as pushing to minimize negative impacts on the community. I am optimistic that there will be some positive impacts. If mine workers can become part of our town, there will be more people living in Wells who contribute to the community. There will be more people shopping, attending concerts, and volunteering for community activities and organizations.

Property taxes from the mine will help fund community infrastructure. It is critical we make sure that once the mining project is finished there is a dedicated sovereign wealth fund left to continue to support our programs and infrastructure into the future.

A goal I have is to see more housing built in Wells. I have attended UCBM meetings for the last 4 years and have been learning about some good options for achieving this.

I have also been on the board of IMA for 14 years. I have been treasurer for the last 8 years and have been responsible for the financial well-being of the organization. I am committed to supporting the arts and tourism in the community. We need a strong tourism and arts industry for when the mine is gone.

I will bring continuity to the council. I am familiar with the projects the council has taken on. I have spent the last 4 years learning and participating. I have been on 2 of the 3 committees, including the Community Buildings and Land Select Committee and the Emergency Preparedness Committee. If a council member has a question, I can quickly find the relevant documents.

I recovered an old server and was able to retrieve all the critical documents including original, searchable versions of our bylaws. With saving and organizing files, I have created a site that staff and council can easily access to find information on reports, bylaws, agenda packages and more.

I am a good listener, a problem solver and have good communication and negotiating skills. I am involved in and supportive of many activities in the community, including the community garden, ArtsWells, and disc golf. I am committed to making sure Wells thrives long into the future.

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