Okotoks council is hoping to avoid a byelection after a councillor resigned last week.
On March 22, a press release from the Town stated that Coun. Cheryl Actemichuk provided a letter of resignation that took effect the day prior.
The press release said Actemichuk made the decision to step down due to personal reasons.
Her resignation comes about 19 months before the next general election, scheduled for October 2025.
Typically, a byelection is needed if a council seat is vacated more than 18 months before the next general election, according to the Municipal Government Act.
During its meeting on March 25, council unanimously agreed to request an extension from Alberta Municipal Affairs that would allow the seat to remain vacant until the election, rather than immediately moving ahead with a byelection.
The Town noted that similar requests made in the past were granted.
Coun. Rachel Swendseid said those she heard from want to avoid the costs associated with a byelection.
“The overwhelming response that I heard was folks do not want a byelection, because of the cost,” Swendseid said.
Coun. Gord Lang said he heard similar from the community.
“They, for one, didn't want the byelection because of the expense,” Lang said. “They also said we've been operating for a year as a six-member council, and everything seems to be working well.”
If a byelection is required, it would occur within 120 days, and Town staff would come to council with possible election dates.
Swendseid thanked Actemichuk for serving and said being an elected official is rewarding but demanding.
Actemichuk, who was on temporary leave from council for a portion of 2023, had been a member of council since October of 2021.
