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- calendar_today October 13, 2026
Voters Decide Between Experience and a New Voice in Merritt Mayor Election
Residents of Merritt are preparing to choose their next mayor as the city’s municipal election approaches on October 17. The ballot features a race between current mayor Mike Goetz, seeking a second term, and Gordon Keyser, a newcomer to local politics.
Incumbent Mike Goetz Seeks a Second Term
Mike Goetz, who was first elected mayor in 2022, is running on a platform of continuing the work he started over the past four years. Goetz’s decision to run for public office was motivated by personal tragedy: the death of his six-year-old granddaughter in a vehicle collision in November 2021 along Highway 97C. This event spurred his commitment to local issues and city leadership.
If re-elected, Goetz says he will prioritize securing funding to complete flood mitigation projects in Merritt, a city with just over 7,000 residents. He also points to economic development initiatives, highlighting two key projects: $5.5 million in provincial funding to expand the Mako Wood Furniture manufacturing plant and the $40-million Gateway 286 development aimed at boosting local business and investment opportunities.
Addressing homelessness and public safety is another major focus for Goetz. He describes these as among the most challenging issues currently facing municipal councils across British Columbia. “Those things we have to deal with. And, as a community, it’s left to us now to deal with it, so we need to take those reins ... because we’re not going to get provincial or federal help on it,” Goetz said.
Challenger Gordon Keyser Brings a New Perspective
At 62, Gordon Keyser is entering Merritt municipal politics for the first time. With a diverse background in logging, sawmilling, road-building, paving, and ranching, Keyser said his decision to run stems from dissatisfaction with how the city is currently managed. “I want Merritt better. I’m just not happy with how our City of Merritt is run right now,” he stated, expressing concerns over city operations and management.
Keyser also identifies homelessness, street disorder, and drug use as pressing matters for the community. He has proposed an alternative response to curb disorder, including potentially removing certain individuals from the community in response to ongoing issues.
Core Issues: Economic Development, Homelessness, and Public Safety
Both candidates have acknowledged that addressing homelessness and improving public safety are central to Merritt’s future. Goetz emphasizes the need for local government to take a proactive approach as assistance from provincial and federal sources remains limited. Keyser, meanwhile, is advocating for new approaches to these persistent problems, suggesting the need for a shift in how the city responds to street disorder.
Economic growth also remains a central theme in the campaign. Goetz stresses the significance of recent investments and projects designed to support Merritt’s local businesses. Keyser, on the other hand, is calling for more efficient management of city resources to foster improvement across multiple sectors.
The Candidates Face Off
With just days to go before the election, Mike Goetz and Gordon Keyser are making their final appeals to voters. The outcome of the vote will determine whether Merritt continues along its current path or opts for a new direction in municipal governance. The election will also decide how the city addresses issues related to economic development, flood mitigation, homelessness, and public safety moving forward.
Election Details
The race between Goetz and Keyser highlights a choice between established leadership and a new approach to Merritt’s local government. The election is set for October 17, and residents are encouraged to participate and help shape the future direction of the community.
Source: cbc.ca.
