The council for the Town of Saint Andrews will continue operating with the current council following the election in May under restricted powers.
Former acting mayor Kate Akgai died in late April, leading to the cancellation of the Ward 3 — Saint Andrews — election.
The Department of Environment and Local Government (ELG) told The Courier that the first meeting of the new council should take place no later than June 15, unless a candidate has not been declared elected by that date.
A byelection is scheduled for June 22 to fill the four seats representing voters in Ward 3. This does not impact the mayoral election, constituents in all wards will still vote for mayor. Coun. Annette Harland and Coun. Darrell Weare were acclaimed.
“As Ward 3 candidates will not be declared until a by-election on June 22, council cannot meet until the new councillors are in place,” said Vicky Lutes, a spokesperson for ELG.
Section 56 of the Local Governance Act restricts the powers of council until the first meeting of the new council, outlining the five powers no longer granted.
“In the interim, the current council will continue day‑to‑day operations within the limits of Section 56 of the Act, ensuring continuity of governance,” Lutes said.
Section 56 also states the current council can maintain the operation of the municipality but cannot pass, amend or repeal bylaws or make long-term decisions.
The Act allows for exceptions, including when an issue is urgent and in the public interest or if it was already authorized by a bylaw prior to the election.
The Town of Saint Andrews released a statement on Tuesday saying there had been speculation about how the council would operate during that time.
With only two acclaimed members of council and a mayor, the council would not have quorum — the minimum number required to conduct votes.
“Under these provisions, the town’s day-to-day operations will continue uninterrupted,” the release said.
The town also said that, to avoid confusion for residents, only one swearing-in ceremony will take place in late June or early July.
“Due to the limited powers of council during this period, they will be considering a recommendation to cancel all upcoming regular council meetings until the first meeting of the new council, with the allowance for special council meetings as the need to complete business arises,” the release said.
