The City of Penticton has begun the preparations for a by-election that will be held in 2025 to replace newly elected MLA Amelia Boutlbee.
Council will likely be left without two councillors until the by-election is held, as Coun. James Miller remains on leave while he faces criminal charges in Ontario.
The resignation from Boutlbee was presented and accepted by the city, which now begins the process for the by-election.
“The work includes any necessary amendments to the City’s Election and Assent Voting Bylaw and updates to the Political Signage Regulations Bylaw, which will be considered by Council in December," said city manager Anthony Haddad. "As well, potential dates and availability of voting locations need to be considered. Taking all these factors into consideration, the by-election is likely to occur in the early spring.”
Once the preparations are complete, a report will go before city council with a request to appoint a chief election officer for the by-election.
The chief election officer will then set the general voting day, which must occur within 80 days of their appointment, with voting held on a Saturday.
The city assured residents in a press release that council continues to have quorum and is able to fulfill all of its mandated duties.
At Nov. 5's regular council meeting, Mayor Julius Bloomfield read out the statement Boutlbee had provided with her resignation.
"Serving as your Penticton city councillor for these past two years has been a joy and a privilege and I thank the voters for giving me this opportunity to serve," said Boultbee. "I want to thank my fellow councillors for their guidance, friendship and convey how proud I am of our shared work together. I also want to thank Anthony Haddad and all the very capable staff for their very hard work.
"I leave the city a better person and politician for these many learning experiences."
