Youngest mayor in B.C. history resigns
Luke Strimbold was 21 years old when he was elected mayor of Burns Lake in 2011
The youngest mayor in British Columbia history has resigned.
Luke Strimbold was first elected mayor of the Village of Burns Lake in 2011 at age 21. He successfully ran for re-election in 2014.
Just two months after first becoming mayor, Strimbold stepped into the national spotlight following the January 2012 Babine Forests Products sawmill explosion and fire that killed two and injured 19 others.
In 2014, BC Business magazine ranked him number 24 on their list of "30 under 30."
In a public Facebook post, Strimbold said he is resigning in order to focus on business and educational opportunities, and spend time with family.
"I have appreciated the opportunity to work with so many great people," he wrote. "I have truly learned a lot about service and how important local government is to the well-being of our communities."
The resignation is effective immediately.
Acting mayor to be elected next week
Village clerk Cameron Hart says council will choose an acting mayor at a meeting next week.
Hart said the village is planning to hold a by-election for the mayor's position by December.
Any councillors who wish to run for mayor would have to resign as well. In that case, by-elections for mayor and any open council positions would be held concurrently.
The mayor's job in Burns Lake is part-time.