The Township of Esquimalt announced its official 2011 General Local Election results at 1 p.m. today. The official results are as follows:
MAYOR
Barbara Desjardins (acclaimed)
COUNCILLORS (by highest number of votes)
Tim Morrison (1,655)
Meagan Brame (1,631)
Bob McKie (1,594)
Lynda Hundleby (1,570)
Dave Hodgins (1,415)
David Schinbein (940)
The incumbent Mayor Barbara Desjardins was acclaimed and returns for a second term as Mayor. Returning Councillors are Meagan Brame and Lynda Hundleby. The four new members of Council are Tim Morrison, Bob McKie, David Hodgins and David Schinbein. The newly elected Council will serve a three-year term beginning December 5, 2011.
A total of 2,300 voters—18% of eligible voters—turned out to vote at the advance polls and on General Voting Day, November 19, 2011. This is a decrease from the 2008 election, in which 3,437 residents voted.
The 2011 election included the following non-binding referendum question on the Esquimalt Village Plan:
Are you in favour of the Township of Esquimalt adopting amendments to Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2646 and Zoning Bylaw No. 2050 that would facilitate development of Phase One of the Esquimalt Village Plan which would include a mix of residential, commercial and civic uses in two buildings, one of which may be up to 12 storeys in height, on the site of the old municipal hall and old public works yard?
Results: Yes (1,510), No (690)
A public hearing regarding the amending bylaws will be held early in 2012. The referendum result will be included in a report to Council at that time, together with any additional public input.
The new Council will be sworn in during the Inaugural Meeting of Council on December 5, 2011 at 7 p.m. The meeting will include Mayor and Councillors’ Oath of Office, the Mayor’s Inaugural Address, the Mayor’s appointment of Esquimalt representatives to the Capital Regional District, and recognition of members of the previous Council who are not returning this year. The public is invited to attend this event. Light refreshments will be served.
The first meetings of the new Council will be on Monday, December 12, 2011 and will include a Committee of the Whole meeting at 7 p.m. followed by a Special Meeting of Council. Meetings will be held in Council Chambers at the Township of Esquimalt Municipal Hall, located at 1229 Esquimalt Road. Council and Committee of the Whole meeting agendas and minutes, and information on the Esquimalt Village Plan, are available on the Township’s website.
For more information, please contact:
Anja Nurvo, Manager of Corporate Services
Tel: 250-414-7135