Coun. Richard Pootmans has resigned from Calgary city council.
It was announced Tuesday afternoon in council chambers that the Ward 6 councillor was leaving the position due to personal and family reasons, effective immediately.
Pootmans had been on council for the past three years, elected in 2021. He previously served on city council representing Ward 6 for two terms, from 2010 to 2017.
According to his bio on the city’s website, Pootmans has 28 years of business experience and 13 years of experience in the public sector.
“On behalf of Calgary city council, I offer our deepest gratitude to Ward 6 Councillor Richard Pootmans for his 10 years of devoted public service,” Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said in a statement Tuesday.
“We are grateful to Councillor Pootmans for his commitment, his collaborative style and his service to the residents of Ward 6 and all Calgarians.”
Coun. Andre Chabot of Ward 10 said during Tuesday’s meeting that it was an honour and pleasure to work alongside Pootmans.
“He was a friend, a colleague, and I — 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,” he said.
Ward 14 Coun. Peter Demong expressed his sadness at Pootmans’ resignation Tuesday.
“It is with great sadness and a lot of disappointment to know that I’m not going to be working with my buddy anymore,” he said.
Gondek added Pootmans will be greatly missed and his kindness and work have a left a lasting impact on the city of Calgary.
The mayor said in her statement that residents who live in Ward 6 will continue to be well represented and details of how the city will ensure uninterrupted representation are being finalized. She added other councillors will pitch in to help the Ward 6 team in the interim.
“We kindly request that the media and the public respect the privacy of Councillor Pootmans and his family at this time,” Gondek said.