Ken Christian's last day as Mayor of Kamloops will be Nov. 1, 2022.

(KAREN EDWARDS / iNFOnews.ca)

Kamloops mayor Ken Christian is not throwing his hat in the ring in the upcoming municipal election in October.

In an announcement yesterday, Feb. 21, Christian said he plans to spend more time with his family after 29 years in public office.

"I am making this announcement now to allow those who would seek to become mayor a clear runway to organize and finance a solid campaign and vision for the future of Kamloops," Christian said in a letter.

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Christian was first elected mayor in a 2017 byelection spurred by the departure of Mayor Peter Milobar, who stepped down to fill his role as MLA.

As the incumbent, he was elected once again in the 2018 election with more than 86% of votes in Christian's favour. He focused his campaign platform on taxes, affordable housing, downtown revitalization, dependable infrastructure and building relationships.

His last day in office will be Nov. 1, 2022, after the October municipal election.

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"I will not endorse nor become involved in the 2022 election except to correct the record should anyone misrepresent the work of this administration. The office of the mayor is your office and who fills it will be your choice. Choose carefully," he said.

Christian thanked his supporting and administrative staff at the City in the letter.

"I will admit these past two years have been difficult. Leadership in times of uncertainty and risk is much harder than in times of stability, yet council and staff have performed admirably, and I sense now we are approaching a period of normalization," he said.

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Christian has previously served as a School Board trustee, chaired the School Board, served as a city councillor and previously sat as president of the airport authority.

Currently, he is also a director of the Thompson Nicola Regional District and also chairs the Thompson Regional Hospital District.

"So, on this Family Day 2022, I re-commit to my wife and partner Brenda, our three wonderful children, Nic, Jon, and Taryn. You have made many sacrifices over many years that have allowed me to serve the community we all love," he said.

Municipal election day in B.C. is on Oct. 15.

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