Former Kelowna mayor Jim Stuart has died, he was 84

Former Kelowna mayor Jim Stuart, a farmer who became a politician and oversaw a period of rapid growth in the city, has died.

He was 84.

Stuart was mayor from 1986 to 1996, winning election twice and being acclaimed twice. He was also an alderman, first winning a council seat in 1973.

Mayor Colin Basran confirmed Stuart's death in a news release.

City officials say Stuart's 30 years in office served as a bridge between Kelowna's farming origins and the mid-sized municipality it was becoming.

In a statement, Basran said the city's current expansion gives him some insight into what Stuart was dealing with during his time in office.