Revelstoke could further delay byelection to save funds

Revelstoke could delay a municipal byelection until after the provincial vote.

The city said the byelection was originally slotted to be scheduled by June.; however, the pandemic forced a delay due to restrictions on gatherings.

The election is required to replace former councillor Steven Cross, who resigned at the end of January after his motion to remove council pay raises from the proposed budget was defeated.

Dawn Low, CAO, said she spoke with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to verify if it was within legislation to delay the byelection until after the provincial vote on Oct. 24. The ministry said it was.

Coun. Nicole Cherlet is also running as the local candidate for the NDP and should she win, there would be two spots to fill.

If needed, Low said it could make sense to have one byelection to fill both positions, instead of having two separate votes. The province said it was reasonable to delay the byelection if an additional vacancy is likely to occur within a few weeks. One election could cost up to $50,000.

“This is to save the taxpayer money,” Low said.

However, she said the decision ultimately lies with council.

“Council will have to consider the options during a regular council meeting.” said Low.

City council must appoint a local chief election officer for the byelection as soon as possible after the vacancy occurs. Once appointed, the vote must be set on a Saturday within 80 days.

City council has appointed that person yet.

Story updated to include comment from Dawn Low, CAO.

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