A byelection to choose a new mayor of Ladysmith has been scheduled for March 1, 2025 following the resignation of Aaron Stone, who stepped down on Sept. 30, 2024, to assume the role of CEO at the South Island Prosperity Partnership.
Councillor Tricia McKay has been serving as acting mayor since Oct. 1.
At the Dec. 11 Town of Ladysmith special council meeting, council appointed Donna Smith as chief election officer. Council also appointed Sue Bouma, manager of corporate services, Sydney Ianson, corporate services administrative assistant, and Hayley Young, corporate services administrative coordinator as deputy chief election officers.
Donna Smith thanked council for the opportunity and advised that the byelection has been set for Saturday, March 1 which is within the 80-day time limit set out for byelections.
Smith told council the election team has been working very hard, “probably harder than Santa’s elves,” getting ready for the election. However, she noted that the timeline is extremely tight. Smith said that council members considering a mayoral run have 14 days from Dec. 11 to submit their resignation in writing to their corporate officer or during a council meeting.
Nomination packages will be available starting Monday, Dec. 16 and interested candidates can pick them up at City Hall.
The nomination period, during which nominations can be accepted, runs from 9 a.m. on Jan. 7 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 24.
Acting Mayor McKay welcomed Smith to the role of chief election officer, adding, “I know we’ll be in good hands with you and your vast experience in such things.”
Smith has previous experience as both Chief Election Officer (CEO) and Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) in numerous elections.
According to a staff report submitted to council Dec. 11, “The legislated requirement to appoint both a CEO and a DCEO is in place to ensure that if one is unable to carry out their duties, the other is authorized to act in their place. The LGA also allows the CEO to appoint election officials required for the administration and conduct of an election.”
The Local Government Act is a B.C. law that provides the legal framework for the governance, operations, elections, and planning functions of municipalities and regional districts.
The 2025 byelection will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Frank Jameson Community Centre. Advance voting days will be held at City Hall on Feb. 19 and 26.
