The District of North Saanich has a new municipal councillor, according to preliminary results released by the district Saturday.
Kristine Marshall received 1,210 votes in the byelection, taking home the lion’s share of the 1,731 votes cast in the byelection.
Marshall replaces former councillor Brett Smyth, who resigned in March after calling North Saanich Mayor Peter Jones “Mr. Hitler” during a council meeting.
The comment was made during a meeting on March 20, when Smyth was calling for meetings with the Mayor’s Official Community Plan Advisory Committee & Working Group Members to be livestreamed for the public.
Smyth argued that livestreaming the meetings would benefit the public, while Jones said that it was not a practical step to completing the official community plan.
Smyth had served for four years on council before resigning in March.
“It has not been an easy decision, but one made necessary, but not specifically, in light of my off‐handed comment at a recent council meeting,” he wrote in his resignation letter.
“I would have preferred a more positive environment at the municipal hall but when all voices are not respected, then it is difficult to practice the patience required of an elected official.”
Jones told CHEK News that he was disappointed to learn of Smyth’s resignation.
“I don’t know if that was the only reason why he resigned,” he said at the time. “He’s got over four years experience on council, when we, the majority of councillors, including myself, are new, we needed his experience, and that experience is now lost, which is a pity.”
“I do wish he had stayed and not resigned, but it’s done now. So we have to follow through on the processes that are in place.”
Official byelection results are expected to be released at 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to the district.
Adam Chan
