The Town of Coronation’s council discussed the resignation of the mayor and the next steps during a special council meeting on Aug. 26.
Council formally acknowledged the resignation of Mayor Matthew Peacock, effective Aug. 19, 2024, in accordance with Section 174(1) of the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
Section 162(1) of the MGA states that a by-election must be held within 120 days of a council seat becoming vacant to ensure the council’s integrity and functionality.
However, if the council wishes to delay the by-election beyond this period, Section 162(2) allows a request for an extension from the Minister of Municipal Affairs.
An extension is typically considered when holding a by-election within the prescribed period is not practical or in the municipality’s best interest and for councils with more than seven members.
The Municipal Affairs department recommended that the Town of Coronation hold a by-election as the time frame exceeds a year and Coronation’s council has fewer than seven members.
“I don’t think we should have one,” said Coun. Mark Stannard, noting that for the size of Coronation, having a by-election within a year of the next election would put a strain on the budget.
Coun. Brett Alderdice agreed. “I think it’s a waste of money,”
The general agreement was that, despite the relatively low cost of $1,200, the time and effort needed to prepare for the by-election, including temporarily shutting down the office, was a significant factor.
“I think we are more than capable of having a four-person council for the year until the next general election,” stated Stannard, suggesting that they could manage by each taking on additional committee responsibilities.
“There are quite a few by-elections happening now, and extensions have been granted to other communities,” noted Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Quinton Flint.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia reporter
ECA Review
