Dawson Creek will have a new mayor after the October election, with Darcy Dober announcing he won’t seek another term.
Dober, who has served on council since 2020 and became mayor in 2022, says he made the decision after giving considerable thought to what another term would require from him and his family.
Dober said he has always believed that taking on a role means giving it his full commitment, but he no longer feels he can do that while maintaining the balance he needs at home.
“I have always believed that if I am going to do something, I need to give it everything I have, and I don’t feel I could commit to another term without impacting the balance I need to maintain with my family,” he said.
Dober said stepping away was not an easy choice.
“This decision was not made lightly,” he said. “In many ways, every part of me wanted to put my name forward again.”
Dober was first elected to Dawson Creek council in 2020 before making the jump to the mayor’s chair two years later.
He won the 2022 mayoral election with 84.9 per cent of the vote, defeating Shaely Wilbur.
Dober currently serves as vice-chair of the Peace River Regional District board of directors, according to the City of Dawson Creek.
As he prepares to leave city hall, Dober said he is doing so with a strong sense of appreciation for the community.
He described his time as mayor as an honour and said he remains grateful for the support and trust Dawson Creek residents placed in him.
Dober’s decision means Dawson Creek will be choosing a new mayor when voters head to the polls Oct. 17.
