Reid Hamer-Jackson announced Monday his intention to remain in place as Kamloops’ mayor, months after city council members asked him to step down.
At a morning news conference that Hamer-Jackson had called to discuss his “resignation consideration,” the mayor said that he decided to continue his term, and that he intends to run for reelection.
Calls for his resignation came in May after the release of a scathing report put together by municipal adviser Henry Braun, who is the former mayor of Abbotsford. Braun found Hamer-Jackson’s attitude towards councillors and city staff to be dismissive and condescending, saying his behaviour was contributing to an unsafe work environment.
Since being elected mayor with no political experience in October of 2022, he has been embroiled in several controversies, lawsuits, and skirmishes with his fellow councillors.
Hamer-Jackson has been the subject of numerous investigations into his alleged code-of-conduct infractions, and he himself has launched two defamation suits — one against one of his own councillors.
Councillors voted to dock his pay, and he is not allowed to participate in closed-committee meetings.
They have also sent out hundreds of letters to B.C. municipalities and MLAs, stressing that he no longer represents the community.
Hamer-Jackson said Monday he intends to stay on to contribute to a safer community and a more “fiscally responsible” city hall.
“It’s frustrating to be misrepresented by various media due to conflicting communication strategies set out by some in city hall,
and I’ve also been physically assaulted. I hope that our council will still work on safety and accountability and prosperity,” he said.
Hamer-Jackson announced his intentions to the applause of a small crowd, shouts of “hear, hear,” and calls for city councillors to resign.
The mayor confirmed to reporters that he had “never really considered” resigning.
The City of Kamloops’ next municipal election is scheduled for Oct. 17, 2026.