Kamloops’ next city council will likely sit a year longer than their current counterparts.
The B.C. government has announced it will introduce legislation to extend local government officials’ terms to four years from three years, beginning with the 2014 election, which takes place on Nov. 15.
That means the city’s next mayor and councillors will hold office until 2018.
In a press release, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes said the move will give councillors more time to work on community priorities and reduce election costs for municipalities.
“”My experience as a municipal councillor convinced me that to succeed
in today’s complex world, local governments need enough time to plan
and complete projects that build strong, inclusive communities,” she said.
The move has the backing of the the Union of B.C. municipalities.
At its 2013 convention, 60 per cent of voting delegates passed a motion urging the government to extend terms in time for this year’s vote.
Longer terms have been criticized by some councillors in smaller communities, who say the low rate of pay in rural areas makes it difficult to commit to four years.
