Debra Toporowski announced she is stepping down from her role as Councillor, effective immediately, following her recent election as member of the provincial legislature.
“Serving the people of North Cowichan has been a privilege,” said Debra Toporowski. “I would like to thank the residents of North Cowichan for their confidence and trust that they have placed in me, and I look forward to continuing to serve the community in my new role."
“It has been a pleasure working alongside Debra over the past 6 years,” said Mayor Rob Douglas. “Her unique insight brought a welcome perspective to the Council table. I am looking forward to working with her on provincial issues and projects.”
Ms. Toporowski had been on a leave of absence since September 5 in order to campaign in the provincial election. She was first elected councillor in 2018. During her tenure she has served as acting mayor, on the Cowichan Valley Regional District board, the Audit and Finance Committee, Parcel Tax Review Panel, Vancouver Island Regional Library Board, First Nations Committee (chair), Cowichan Core Recreation Commission, Cowichan North Recreation Commission, Duncan’s Tourism Advisory Committee, Maple Bay Community Association, and Quamichan Watershed Stewardship Society.
Section 54 (By-elections) of the Local Government Act states that an election must be held to fill a vacancy in an elected local government. As soon as practicable after the vacancy occurs North Cowichan must appoint a chief election officer (CEO), who then must set a general voting day for the election. This voting day must be on a Saturday no later than 80 days after the date the CEO was appointed. The legislation does not specify how soon a by-election must be held after the vacancy, providing the local government with some flexibility in determining the timing of the by-election.