Gord Baird defeats longtime Highlands mayor Ken Williams in close election

Highlands has elected a new mayor after Gord Baird defeated longtime incumbent Ken Williams in Saturday’s municipal election.

Baird received 500 votes (51.5%), narrowly defeating Williams, who received 471 votes (48.5%) — a margin of just 29 votes.

Williams had served as mayor since 2014, making his defeat a significant change in leadership for the small Greater Victoria municipality.

Six councillors were also elected: Karel Roessingh, Justin Allen, Leslie Anderson, Rob Justice, Ann Baird and Patrick Harriott.

Notably, Roessingh previously served as Highlands mayor from 1999 to 2005 and will now return to the council table.

The results are unofficial and remain subject to final confirmation.