Ignace Moves Forward with Replacement of Vacant Council Seats
“Council has decided to utilize the appointment process as the most efficient method to replace two empty seats”
At a recent Township meeting in Ignace, members of Council unanimously decided to utilize the appointment process as their option to replace two vacant seats left behind by the recent resignations of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor in Ignace.
The options were presented by professional municipal advisors retained to the Township to assist Council with the process, make recommendations, establish more efficient procedural by-laws, update internal policies and restructure components of the Township Administration. “Although, the two resignations were an unfortunate circumstance in this community, the existing Council members are taking this opportunity to establish a sound, healthy, safe and efficient working environment that will allow Ignace to move forward in a very effective manner” stated Interim Mayor Kim Baigrie.
“The appointment process to fill two vacant Council seats was also the recommended option at this stage of the Council term and allows citizens from the community to submit their application, have it reviewed by Council, undertake interviews and then complete a selection process to appoint the new members” stated Councillor Defeo. The process that Council approved at this stage of the Council Term is the most efficient, cost-saving, and most effective method to ensure fair representation for those interested citizens of Ignace that want to come forward, in a respectful, meaningful, and dedicated manner to contribute to the future growth of Ignace.
“We will be issuing an expression of interest application process to the community next week on both the Township’s Facebook and Website pages. We will allow ample time for those interested ratepayers to submit their application to the Township office, at which point Council plans to review the applications at its June Council meeting, schedule interviews and then select the new Council members” stated Councillor Taddeo.
Once the selections have been made, Township staff will ensure that new Council members are oriented to procedural by-laws, internal policies and trained in conflict of interest, code of conduct and components of the Municipal Act after being sworn into office. At this time Council expects that the process will be completed in late June or July 2023.
“We are looking forward to having a full complement of Council in the near future, so we can begin to advance economic and tourism related projects, establish both a structure and direction for Township staff and continue to build a more unified and peaceful community, all working together to progress and transform this beautiful municipality in a positive direction” stated Interim Mayor Baigrie.
Download the Council Meeting Statement
Township of Ignace - Replacement Process Council Vacant Seats