Coldstream mayor may run for mayor, councillor…or not at all

Jul 28, 2022 | 6:00 AM

Coldstream could have a new mayor this fall for the first time in 14 years.

Current mayor Jim Garlick is still on the fence about running for a fifth term.

He’s also considering seeking one of the six councillor positions, or not running at all.

“I’m taking the summer off to think about it. I think everybody holds their cards close to their chest unless they have something in their life they are really sure about,” Garlick told Vernon Matters.

Garlick, who is also a science teacher, admits there are still some regional projects he would like to see completed.

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“There is still the cultural centre out there. There’s still some things to deal with, like the aquatic centre [new recreational facilities proposed by Vernon at Kin Race Track Park]. I think some work needs to be done on that.”

While Coldstream has opted out of the referendum for the city’s plan, which could cost as much as $121 million, the district is willing to partner on the costs if its goes ahead.

“Coldstream is not opposed to being involved in it. We actually said, if this referendum passes, we will join in and pay for the operations of it.”

The nomination period for municipal election candidates runs from Aug. 30 to Sept. 9, which is when Garlick will have to make his final decision.

“I’m keeping my options open. I don’t know if I can be mayor again. I think it’s good to maybe let somebody else do that, but I’m considering council and that could be something. But you never know until it gets closer to the date.”

Garlick was in a similar state of mind four years ago, contemplating another run for mayor or perhaps councillor.

He eventually did file papers to seek another four years as mayor and defeated deadline challenger Bill Firman in 2018.

In 2014, he won by acclamation.

Garlick served as a councillor in Coldstream for three years prior to becoming mayor in 2008 when he defeated Glen Taylor, a current councillor.

Civic elections will be held Oct. 15 in B.C.

by Pete McIntyre

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