Calgary city councillors were informed Tuesday that Ward 6 Coun. Richard Pootmans would be resigning his role as city councillor.
The information came as an urgent closed-session item during Tuesday’s Regular Meeting of Council. After that session, CAO David Duckworth informed the public that Pootmans would no longer be the sitting councillor.
Coun. Pootmans is stepping down for personal and family reasons effective immediately, according to CAO Duckworth.
Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot moved the motion as a rise and report from that closed session.
“I had the pleasure of actually working with Councillor Pootmans when he worked at Calgary Economic Development as the City of Calgary representative, and his insight in regard to economic development and industrial growth strategy, were things that I was able to carry forward as far as my advocacy on behalf of the City of Calgary,” Chabot said.
“He’s a friend, colleague, whilst I don’t know the particulars of his situation, I certainly would like to offer my support to him in any way that I can, and I’m sure all members of council feel the same way.
“It was an honour and a pleasure to work alongside with him and I wish him all the best and his endeavors as he moves forward.”
Pootmans was first elected in 2010 and served until 2017. After a four-year hiatus, Pootmans was re-elected in Ward 6 in 2021.
Ward 14 Coun. Peter Demong was the seconder on the motion.
“It is with great sadness and a lot of disappointment to know that I’m not going to be working with my buddy anymore. That’s it,” he said.
A statement from Mayor Jyoti Gondek’s office said they were grateful to Coun. Pootmans for his commitment over the past 10 years.
“His kindness and his work have left a lasting impact on our City and his presence will be greatly missed,” the statement read.
The mayor’s message assured residents of Ward 6 that they would continue to be represented during a period of transition.
Back in 2020, former Ward 10 Coun. Ray Jones retired in the year prior to the municipal election. No byelection was held for Jones. Duties for that vacated ward were split between the adjacent councillors and their office staff, along with the staff in that ward office.
