News release
For immediate release
Esquimalt, BC—Township of Esquimalt Councillor Jane Vermeulen is resigning July 15. Councillor Vermeulen has served the township since 2018 and will be making the move official at Monday’s council meeting.
“I have immensely enjoyed my time as a resident of Esquimalt for over fifteen years and as a Councillor since 2018,” she said. “The past four years have been extraordinary in terms of challenges and opportunities we faced at municipal government. I am proud to be a part of such a respectful and thriving team.
I am leaving my term early to accept a position as the Medical Director of the South Carolina Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care clinic. In order to accommodate my children’s start date for school in August, I have elected to resign effective July 15. I thank you for your support and encouragement and I look forward to returning to Esquimalt in the future.”
The long-time resident is a veterinarian and advocate for homeless and low-income pet owners. Councillor Vermeulen is the founder of Vets for Pets Victoria which offers free monthly pet-care at Our Place Society.
“As a mother of a young military family, Jane brought valuable community perspective to council table and decision making,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins. “We wish her well in this exciting new role.”
Councillor Vermeulen’s appointments included Greater Victoria Public Library Board, Victoria/Esquimalt Harbour Society, Celebration of Lights Liaison, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and Esquimalt Ribfest.
There are six scheduled council meetings left in Council’s term. The vacancy does not impact quorum with six Esquimalt Council members remaining in office so municipal business is still able to proceed. 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. At Monday’s meeting Council will decide whether or not to hold a by-election.
If Council were to hold a by-election it would be for the remainder of the current Council’s term ending November 2022 when the newly elected Council takes office after the general local election scheduled to be held October 15, 2022.
Councillor Vermeulen's resignation is on Monday's agenda and is accompanied by a staff report outlining details. The June 11 Council meeting takes place at 7 p.m. and can be attended in person or viewed live online. Agendas and meeting information is available at Esquimalt.ca.
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For more information:
Tara Zajac
Manager of Communications, Township of Esquimalt
Phone: 250-414-7122
tara.zajac@esquimalt.ca