Our region is stronger together
Regional collaboration, and the three key areas Bev wants to work on next term, from Warfield-Trail amalgamation to regional advocacy.
Trail City Council · October 17, 2026
Re-electBev Benson
Same heart. More experience.
A fourth-generation Trail resident, first elected in 2022, asking for your vote to keep serving the community she calls home.
- Fourth-generation Trail resident
- Trail City Councillor since 2022
- BSc, Environmental Chemistry
- Post-Grad Diploma, HR Management
- 20+ years at Teck
- Board, Community Futures Greater Trail
About Bev
Trail is my home, and it always will be.
I’m a fourth-generation Trail resident, and this community has always been home. I grew up in a family business, which taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and showing up every day. It also taught me that you don’t stop being a team just because you disagree.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Chemistry and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management. I’ve spent more than 20 years at Teck, where I’m now Manager of the Trail Technical Facility. My work there centres on people: building a positive workplace culture, supporting employee success, and managing a multi-million-dollar budget.
I’ve been involved in Trail’s community life for most of my life, from dancing and teaching dance, to serving as Miss Trail in 2000 and helping revitalize the program in 2008. I also serve on the board of Community Futures Greater Trail, where I get to support entrepreneurs choosing to build their livelihoods here.
My partner David and I love the arts and are regulars at local concerts and shows. My niece and nephew keep me busy and remind me why building a better Trail for the next generation matters.
Since 2022, I’ve been proud to serve on Trail City Council, and I’d be honoured to continue.
You don’t stop being a team just because you disagree. You still have to sit down at the same dinner table at the end of the day!
Why I’m running
My values haven’t changed, my experience has.
Being a councillor is, at its heart, about service. Strong leadership starts with listening, treating people with respect, and being willing to consider different perspectives.
Service first
Being a councillor is about showing up, listening, asking questions, learning, and making a difference for home.
Teamwork through disagreement
I’ve disagreed at the Council table, and I’ve changed my mind after listening. Both matter.
Prepared and thoughtful
I do the homework, ask thoughtful questions, and work to understand an issue before I decide.
Respect
In 2022 I promised to respect fellow councillors, City staff, and residents. That hasn’t changed. Challenge the idea, never the person.
Deep roots, open mind
Honour Trail’s history, pride, and traditions, while welcoming newcomers and the energy and ideas they bring.
Same energy, wider perspective
As much enthusiasm as four years ago, with more experience and a heart and mind opened even wider.
2022 – 2026
What we got done together
Council works as a team, and these are achievements I was proud to be part of in my first term.
Silver City Days, back again
Helped bring back one of Trail’s best-loved community celebrations.
Recreation agreements with our neighbours
Finalized a recreation agreement with Rossland and extended our agreement with Warfield.
2026 Trail-Rossland BC Winter Games
Served on the nominations committee that named the board of directors, with Trail and Rossland represented equally.
Regional waste and organics
Supported regional initiatives on waste and organics.
Rehabilitation, detox, and public safety
Part of a joint resolution with Castlegar and Nelson calling for a regional approach, endorsed by UBCM. The Province has since confirmed a task force to move it forward.
Official Community Plan
Worked on the plan that guides how Trail grows and changes over the coming years.
Community Safety Task Force
Worked with the task force on keeping Trail a safe place for everyone.
Key City-owned properties
Advancing plans for the future use of important City-owned properties.
A strong City Hall team
Worked through early turnover, supported the CAO, and helped build a strong staff team.
Advocating for Trail
Joined Trail’s delegation at UBCM in September 2026 to press Trail’s case with provincial ministries.
We can honour the history, pride, and traditions that make Trail what it is, while keeping an open mind about what Trail can become.
Next term
My priorities for Trail
Regional collaboration was one of my priorities when I first ran in 2022, and it is still important to me today. Our region is stronger when we work together.
- 01
Warfield and Trail amalgamation
This major decision will go to referendum. I’d put my name forward for the amalgamation committee, focused on giving residents clear, accurate, accessible information, including what costs Trail could take on, since the terms of reference exclude Warfield’s water needs. People deserve clarity, not confusion.
- 02
Bringing Area B into the recreation agreement
Area B residents already use Trail for many services. Including them would make recreation access simpler and more consistent, and cut the need for separate residency cards and verification.
- 03
Strengthening regional advocacy
Housing, health care, public safety, and infrastructure don’t stop at municipal boundaries. I want to keep the momentum on the new provincial task force for rehabilitation, detox, and public safety, and bring local experience to the table.
- 04
Local business and economic growth
Support local business, encourage growth, and make Trail a great place to live, work, raise a family, and retire.
Make your voice heard
When & where to vote
Every eligible Trail voter can vote at any of these opportunities. Voting runs 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Advance voting
Wednesday, October 7
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Trail Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 1875 Columbia Ave
Advance voting
Wednesday, October 14
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Trail Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 1875 Columbia Ave
General voting day
Saturday, October 17
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Trail Memorial Centre, Victoria View Room, 1051 Victoria St
Who can vote
- 18 or older on general voting day
- Canadian citizen
- BC resident for at least six months
- Trail resident, or non-resident owner of property in Trail
Good to know
- Not registered? You can register when you vote. Bring two pieces of ID, at least one with your signature.
- Curbside voting is available at every voting opportunity.
On the campaign trail
Latest updates
I'm running again
Bev Benson has filed her nomination papers to seek a second term on Trail City Council.
Get in touch
I’d love to hear from you
Questions or ideas about Trail? Send me a note or find me on social media.