Longtime Hornby Island Islands Trust trustee Tony Law has announced his resignation.
According to a press release from the Islands Trust Friday, the resignation will trigger a by-election on the Island. The cause of the resignation stems from allegations of a personal nature, which have recently come to light, it noted.
“Trustee Law tendered his resignation late last night,” said Islands Trust council chair Peter Luckham.
“Given the allegations, trustee Law felt it would be best to step back from public life. It would be inappropriate for me or the Trust to comment on the resignation, except to say that our thoughts are with the people of Hornby Island as they work their way through this difficult time. These are not easy conversations to have but they must happen to ensure that all members of our community feel heard and valued.”
The announcement follows accusations of Law’s inappropriate behaviour and discussion on an online Hornby Island Facebook group.
READ: Hornby Island trustee accused of inappropriate behaviour
According to Section 54 of the Local Government Act, a by-election is required to be held within 80 days.
The most recent election for the Islands Trust trustee positions was held on Oct. 20. The Local Trust Committee will continue to meet and perform its functions until the by-election is held.
The Islands Trust is a federation of local government bodies that represent 25,000 people living within the trust area, which includes 13 major islands and waters between the mainland and southern Vancouver Island. The local trust committees are responsible for preserving and protecting the area through planning and regulating land use, development management, education co-operation with other agencies and land conservation.