The mayor of Burns Lake has resigned.
Luke Strimbold made national headlines when he first won the position in 2011 at the age of 21.
He then earned additional acclaim for leadership shown during the town's crisis in 2012 when Babine Forest Products - the largest private sector employer - fatally exploded and burned. The economic diversification that followed was part of his legacy.
BC Business magazine named Strimbold one of its 30 under 30 leaders in 2014, recognizing his efforts to successfully rebuild the local economy.
He won his second term as mayor in the November 2014 municipal election.
In a written statement, Strimbold said his decision came "with mixed emotions" but "after much consideration and talking with my family I have made a decision to resign as mayor for the Village of Burns Lake effective today, Sept. 15, 2016.
I have sincerely enjoyed the last five years serving as Burns Lake's mayor. I have appreciated the opportunity to work with so many great people. I have truly learned a lot about service and how important local government is to the well being of our communities."
He did not specify his next venture but gave a general indication as to what was happening in his life to prompt the decision.
"I'm not going far - I'm staying in Burns Lake and going to spend more time focusing on our family company, pursing educational opportunities, and most importantly spending quality time with my family," he said.
Due to the timing of Strimbold's resignation (the next municipal election is not until Oct. 20, 2018), the electoral rules under the Community Charter of British Columbia make it almost a certainty that a by-election must be held to establish a new mayor.
A spokeswoman for the village says the process of arranging a by-election to replace Strimbold is underway and a vote could be held sometime in mid-December.
While the mayor's chair remains empty, spokeswoman Sheryl Worthing says an acting mayor has been appointed from among the four councillors and business will continue as normal.
There are currently 14 by-elections in various stages across the province, including three for the central interior area. The one nearest in geography and chronology is the Oct. 1 by-election being held by the Regional Distict of Fraser-Fort George for the position of Commissioner, Bear Lake Local Community.
Coming on Nov. 12 is the by-election for one councillor position in the Village of Fraser Lake, then a Nov. 19 by-election will be held by the District of Houston to elect one councillor.
- with files from Canadian Press
