City clerk advises against by-election to fill downtown council seat
Limited time to hold a by-election before next year’s municipal election has the city clerk instead recommending council appoint a new councillor to represent the downtown.
The Ward 13 seat on council was vacated by Arielle Kayabaga after she was elected to represent London West during the federal election September 20.
Council must either call a by-election or appoint an eligible candidate.
In a report to council’s Corporate Services Committee, City Clerk Cathy Saunders writes, “the timelines for a by-election as set out in this report and as determined by the MEA [Municipal Elections Act], would result in the vacancy not being filled until early February 2022, three months before nominations open for the regular election.”
Saunders estimates holding a by-election would cost between $165,000 and $180,000.
Appointing an individual qualified to hold office would cost $3,000 to $3,500 and must be completed within 60 days.
Individuals seeking the appointment would be required to complete an application form and provide proof of eligibility.
Council would hold a series of votes, dropping from the ballot the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes each round, until a single candidate receives a majority of council’s support.
The Corporate Services Committee will discuss filling the vacancy on Oct. 12.
Ward 13 includes Downtown London and the Blackfriars, SOHO, and Historic Woodfield neighborhoods.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.