Penticton, B.C., city councillor convicted of sex offences, city says seat vacant

James Miller, a former city councillor in Penticton, B.C., has been convicted of five sexual offences involving minors, according to the city. Miller was also the managing editor of the Penticton Herald at the time of the allegations. The charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred in the early 1990s when Miller was coaching youth basketball in Sarnia, Ontario. Miller was found guilty on these charges, while he was acquitted of two other allegations.

Miller's mandatory leave of absence ended on the date of his conviction, making his seat on the Penticton City Council vacant. The city has opted not to hold a byelection, instead leaving the position vacant until the upcoming municipal general election next month. Miller has been on paid leave since August 2024, earning approximately $30,000 in salary during this time.