A Fort Macleod town councillor has resigned.

In a letter to council presented at their Feb. 12 meeting, Marco Van Huigenbos announced his decision to depart from the role.

"In the near future I face significant challenges, both personal and legal," reads the letter, which Van Huigenbos shared to social media the same day it was presented to council. "These challenges may indirectly cast our community and my role on council in a negative light."

In 2022, he was charged with mischief over $5,000 in relation to the Coutts border blockade and protests, with legal proceedings still underway.

He read the letter aloud at the meeting, after which a few of his fellow councillors wished him their best.

The town announced Van Huigenbos' departure in a public statement.

"Both Council and Administration respect his decision to step down and have deeply valued Councillor Van Huigenbos's keen ability to pose insightful inquiries that foster meaningful dialogue and his steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility," the statement reads.

A by-election will be held, with a date to be recommended at the Feb. 26 council meeting.