On Monday (Oct. 8), Nanton Town Council decided whether or not a by-election is to be held to fill the current vacancy.
The Town announced Councillor Kevin Todd's resignation in September. While the Town announced that it was working on a plan to continue effectively representing its residents, the details of that plan hadn't yet been ironed out.
The Municipal Government Act (MGA) states that by-elections must be held to fill council vacancies unless the vacancy occurs within 18 months of the next municipal election.
At Monday's meeting, the council opted not to hold a likely costly by-election.
"With this in mind, Council will continue to operate effectively with six members until the upcoming general election. We believe this decision will maintain stability and focus on the important work ahead, ensuring that we remain responsive to the needs of our community," reads a Facebook post from the Town.
While operating with just six councillors could lead to an even number of votes for bylaws or resolutions, the MGA states that the resolution or bylaw is defeated in those circumstances.
The Town of Okotoks faced a similar situation regarding a council vacancy earlier this year, albeit a little more complicated.
Councillor Cheryl Actemichuk resigned in March, just outside the 18-month threshold that would have allowed the council to proceed without a by-election.
Facing a mandatory by-election estimated to cost $40,000, the Town wrote to Municipal Affairs Minister McIver to request that the time to fill the vacancy be pushed to the 2025 municipal election.
McIver received a Ministerial Order from Minister McIver granting their request in May.