Yukon Vice Mayor resigns following residents’ data center opposition
Yukon Vice Mayor Jeff Wootton has resigned from the City Council, effective immediately, following public opposition to a proposed data center development in the city. Residents filed a petition to recall both Wootton and Mayor Brian Pillmore due to concerns over the project's potential impact on local water resources. Wootton's resignation came days after the formal recall petition was filed.
Yukon Vice Mayor Jeff Wootton announced his immediate resignation from the Yukon City Council in a social media post on Saturday, June 6, 2026. While Wootton did not explicitly state the reason for his departure, his resignation follows significant public outcry and a formal recall petition filed against him and Mayor Brian Pillmore.
The recall efforts, initiated on June 2, stem from widespread resident opposition to a proposed data center development in Yukon. Citizens have voiced considerable concerns regarding the project's potential negative impact on local water resources, highlighting the environmental implications of such a facility.
Wootton expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Yukon and pledged full cooperation with the city during the transition period. The controversy surrounding the data center development and its perceived mismanagement by city officials has led to the highest levels of local government.