As municipal elections approach in November, Kyle, a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada, faces an unexpected problem: there is no candidate for mayor. CKOM.COM.
This year, current Mayor George Williams, who took office in November 2021, is set to resign, leaving his position vacant and without a candidate. Furthermore, there are still no candidates for the city council post.
According to Chief Administrative Officer Amber Dashney, two rounds of candidate applications have been issued to promote mayoral nominations, but so far no one has expressed interest.
“It’s a little concerning, but I’m sure someone will come forward,” Dashney said. CKOM.COM.
The council will designate a deputy mayor to assume the duties of the mayor if the position is not filled by the November 13 election.
Dashni said, “At that meeting, we will decide the date of the by-election, and we will continue to call the by-election until we fill the mayor’s post and other councilor posts as well.”
Gordon Barnhart, former president of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), said this could happen from time to time if no one moves forward for council or mayor nomination.
“I’m not sure it’s common, but it’s not unusual either,” he said.
He said it can be difficult for smaller communities to find enough people willing and qualified to run for mayor or council.
In 2016, Barnhart was elected as councilor for the Town of Saltcoats – a community 30 kilometers south-east of Yorkton – through a by-election after some convincing by local community members.
Because of the many vacant councilor positions, Barnhart said the city is at risk of not having a quorum at council meetings. He continued to serve as a councilor in Saltcoats until 2020, before being elected as mayor, where he sat until 2022.
“It’s really a dedication to your community where you feel you can make a difference,” Barnhart said.
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada census data, the Town of Kyle has a population of 413, and the City of Saltcoats has a population of 473.
While towns and villages have smaller populations to choose from, Barnhart said people’s time and beliefs may be factors that keep people from running for the seat.
SUMA said in a statement that as long as the council can maintain a quorum, it can continue meetings.
“Although rare, it is not unheard of for no one to put their name forward for mayor, or for very few people to put their name forward for council,” the statement said. “In almost all cases, someone will put their name in for an upcoming by-election and the spot will be filled.”
