Revelstoke Mayor Gary Sulz announced that in light of his recent cancer diagnosis, he will be temporarily absent from council chambers as he battles the disease.
Sulz broke the news to council and the community Thursday, Nov. 7 at a special budget Committee of the Whole meeting, but added that the prognosis is good.
"Some of you are well aware that 2024 has been a complicated year for me regarding my health... I have been diagnosed with an extremely rare from of cancer," he said, adding that despite its rarity, it's not a death sentence. "This is not a terminal diagnosis, I want to make that clear. My surgeons, oncologists and physicians, the entire care team, are very optimistic for longevity."
Sulz is scheduled for a "very long" surgery on Nov. 12 and will be in hospital for two weeks following that and then start on the road to recovery. He did, however, reassure the community that an interim plan is in place, with council and staff well able to keep city business running smoothly.
In his absence, Coun. Austin Luciow will serve as acting mayor during November and December, while Coun. Tim Stapenhurst will take on his Columbia Shuswap Regional District and North Okanagan Hospital Board commitments. Having covered the remainder of this year, Sulz is hopeful to be back at the helm soon.
“My intention is to be back as soon as I can; however, I don’t know what that’s going to look like at this point, I will need a bit of time to heal... and I look forward to getting back, to coming back to work," he said.
"I thank you for your support, and I look forward to a great outcome and moving forward."
Any questions about council operations, or comments and support for Sulz and his family can be directed to communications@revelstokel.ca.
