Penticton to hold byelection after Kimberley resigns from council
A byelection is planned for June to fill the seat on Penticton city council seat left vacant by Jake Kimberley, who announced his resignation Tuesday for health reasons.
Kimberley, also a two-time former mayor, had a stroke in July
2020 that initially left him hospitalized.
“Though both my physical and speech recovery has progressed steadily over the last seven months and we had been working toward a graduated return to council duties, I am not yet at a level which will enable me to fully perform duties as a Councillor for the City of Penticton,” Kimberley, who was 80 at the time of his stroke, said in a statement.
“There is a long list of people to thank for their support and mentorship through my 35-year career in municipal politics. Most importantly though, I would like to thank the residents of Penticton.”
Mayor John Vassilaki said the feeling is mutual.
“Jake’s interest and positive contributions towards local politics in our community has been a repeating source of great assurance for many Penticton residents who have consistently and avidly given him their vote over a period of public life spanning some 35 years,” Vassilaki, another longtime local politicians, said in a statement.
“On behalf of city council and all present and past residents of Penticton, I extend a heartfelt thank you to Jake for his service to our community and wish him continued success with his recovery.”
The city intends to appoint a chief election officer in March to organize a byelection in June.
Kimberley was born and raised in the U.K., before immigrating to Canada with his wife, Kate, in 1966. The couple, who had two sons, fell in love with the Okanagan after visiting on their honeymoon.