Village of Harrison Hot Springs Councillor Mark Schweinbenz (back right). (Image Credit: Village of Harrison Hot Springs.)
Municipal election

Harrison Hot Springs councillor to step down after 8 years

Sep 2, 2026 | 10:05 AM

HARRISON HOT SPRINGS – A two-term councillor on the Village of Harrison Hot Springs council announced Wednesday morning (Sept. 2) he won’t seek re-election this fall.

Councillor Mark Schweinbenz, who was first elected in October 2018, believes he can make a difference in the broader community through other passions and interests in his life.

“After careful consideration I have decided that I will not be running for Council re-election. I have decided to pursue other opportunities and avenues to make a difference in things that I am passionate about,” said Schweinbenz, who served on the Environmental Advisory Committee and as an external agency appointee to the Agassiz-Harrison Historical Society and Agassiz-Harrison Food Coalition.  

He said serving the community of Harrison Hot Springs was truly a privilege because of the people he met and the shared collaboration with his colleagues.

“Serving the community of Harrison Hot Springs as a member of council has been a tremendous joy. Indeed over the past 8 years it has been a privilege to us to have a business here, to live here, and to meet so many people who make Harrison a great place to be,” Schweinbenz said. “We will always be grateful for that. Working with the current council has been an honour and I thank each of you. This is a team that wants the best for this Village. I was inspired by our debates, and I thank you for considering my perspectives and the priorities I care about.”

Schweinbenz said one of his goals in serving on council was to return stability and trust back to the local political process.

“Tone of discussion and actions of kindness are just as important as the decisions being made,” he said. “I always sought to do research and to engage with citizens during my preparation for council decisions, and I am proud of my record and the Village’s achievements. Although there is always work to be done, I have full confidence that the Village has great things to look forward to.”

In closing, he also extended wholehearted thanks to village staff.

“To our dedicated staff – both field-operations and in the office – it has been a truly wonderful experience to work with you,” he said. “Seeing the enthusiasm and professionalism each of you brings every day leaves me excited about the future of our Village.”