St. Thomas city council made no decision at Tuesday’s meeting on filling the vacant seat following the death last month of Linda Stevenson. Members officially declared the seat vacant and under the Ontario Municipal Act, the city now has 60 days to fill the vacancy for the rest of the term or hold a by-election.
Mayor Joe Preston reminded council a by-election cannot be held at this time due to the COVID-19 state of emergency now in effect. Instead Preston suggests approaching MPP Jeff Yurek to ask for relief from the 60-day time limit.
Council has the option of appointing an eligible individual to fill the post. In the past, a vacancy has been filled by former members of council, mayoral or councillor candidates or any qualified elector.
