Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone will be stepping down at the end of September to take on the position of CEO of the South Island Prosperity Partnership, Greater Victoria’s economic development alliance.
His decision to leave was announced in a news release from the town.
Stone, who has served as mayor since 2014, will also leave his position as chair of the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
“This is a difficult decision that I have come to after many weeks of deliberation and discussion with my family, friends, and closest advisors,” he said.
“I will spend the next four weeks working with my colleagues to ensure my departure is as smooth as possible.”
A byelection will be held in the spring.
“It was an honour and a privilege to serve as mayor in the community that I love and call home,” Stone said in the statement. “I want to thank everyone for their support over the years. It has truly been a rewarding and enriching experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Councillor Tricia McKay will serve as acting mayor starting Oct. 1.
During Stone’s time as mayor, a comprehensive development plan for the city’s harbour and lands was mapped out to encourage development of a multi-use site to foster economic development and attract tourists.
Earlier this summer, an alternative approval process aimed at borrowing $13.5 million for a new city hall failed.
