ATHABASCA – A byelection to find the Town of Athabasca’s new sixth councillor will take place Feb. 13, barring an acclamation to the empty seat.
Town council made the decision at the Nov. 15 regular meeting, in three straight readings, to pass Bylaw 10-2022, for a 2023 municipal byelection, set nomination day for Jan. 16 and the ultimate byelection day for Feb. 13, with polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. An advanced poll will also take place Thursday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. if necessary.
CFO Jeff Dalley was appointed to the returning officer role in a separate motion, while CAO Rachel Ramey will be his deputy.
The municipality must hold an election to fill the vacant seat within 120 days of the vacancy, so Ramey suggested Monday, Feb. 13, which puts the nomination exactly four weeks before, on Monday, Jan. 16. Town council accepted Coun. Loretta Prosser’s resignation letter during the Nov. 2 meeting, following a series of absences from council meetings.
“Nominations can be taken from tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 16) up until noon on nomination day,” Ramey told council.
Nomination forms and instructions can be found at the town office or the Town of Athabasca website.
A $100 deposit is required by nominees, as part of the application.
Ramey also confirmed that if only one person comes forward to let their name stand as a candidate, they will be acclaimed to the position, following nomination day and no byelection will be required. If no one comes forward, the dates can be extended through processes established in the Municipal Government Act and Local Elections Authorities Act.
“I’m pretty sure we’ll get at least one name; I don’t think that’s going to be an issue,” said mayor Rob Balay.
