Valemount Mayor Owen Torgerson was arrested on allegations of sexual assault earlier this week, but charges have not been laid. Torgerson told The Goat via email that he has retained legal counsel.
“Those are allegations that anyone should take seriously,” he wrote.
Torgerson said he will continue to serve in his roles as the Village mayor and director on the Regional District board, since charges have not been laid. If Torgerson is charged, he will be mandated to take a leave of absence under sections 109.2 and 109.3 of the Community Charter.
When a crime is reported in B.C., police prepare a report to Crown counsel that prosecutors use to decide if there is enough evidence and if it’s in the public interest to lay charges. An email statement from the RCMP said the report includes evidence and a summary of what occurred, as well as a recommendation on potential charges to lay. The timeline for making the decision to lay charges varies from case to case, the statement said.
When I was in grade 6, the Berg Lake Trail was a rite of passage to high school in #Valemount. In ‘21, it succumbed to two in 100 year flood events in two weeks!! Collaboration with #bcparks staff and contractors have this amazing gem “in the middle of everywhere” reopened” today pic.twitter.com/vVwS73wkB5
— Owen Torgerson (@OwenTorgerson) June 29, 2025
In a separate email, Media Relations Officer Kris Clark said the RCMP cannot confirm or deny whether an investigation against someone is taking place until charges have been laid.
In an email to The Goat, Valemount CAO Anne Yanciw said the Village is aware of the situation.
“Our organization is taking steps to ensure continuity of operations and support of our employees,” she wrote. “It is not appropriate for the Village of Valemount to comment further at this time.”
While he is remaining on Council and on the Regional District board, Torgerson confirmed he has voluntarily resigned from his position as chair of the Columbia Basin Trust board of directors. He told The Goat that he decided to resign so he would have more personal time to address the allegations.
The Goat will follow this story as it develops.
