News release
For immediate release
Esquimalt, BC—In a unanimous vote, Esquimalt council will not be holding a by-election prior to the October 15 local general election. Councillor Tim Morrison was not present at the meeting.
The decision was prompted by the early resignation of Councillor Jane Vermeulen. Councillor Vermeulen accepted a position as Medical Director of the South Carolina Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care clinic and is moving to the United States. Her last day as councillor is July 15.
The vacancy does not impact quorum—municipal business is able to proceed with six Esquimalt Council members remaining in office. Under the Local Government Act Council is not required to hold a by-election to fill a vacancy occurring after June 1 in the year of a general local election.
There is a general local election on October 15 at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre. The newly elected Council will take office at the inaugural council meeting to be held November 7, 2022. A by-election would be only for the six scheduled council meetings left in Council’s term ending November 2022.
Local government election information can be found at Esquimalt.ca/election