Leeds and the Thousand Islands looks to fill vacant council seat

Leeds and the Thousand Islands council has officially declared the office of Councillor Ward 2, previously held by Mark Jamison, vacant.

Jamison resigned effective Dec. 31.

In accordance with the Municipal Act, council made the declaration at its Jan. 13 meeting and unanimously chose to fill the vacancy through an open call for qualified applicants.

This process mirrors how council filled a previous vacancy in 2023, when Angela Kelman was appointed following the sudden passing of Deputy Mayor Gordon Ohlke.

Applications for the Ward 2 seat will be open for two weeks, followed by candidate interviews on Feb. 10. On the same day, council will pass a bylaw to confirm the new councillor.

Staff aims to complete the process before council training in March, with the possibility of a special meeting to expedite the timeline.

“I’m looking forward to applications coming forward,” said Deputy Mayor Terry Fodey, who chaired the meeting in place of Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke, who attended virtually.

Council reviewed four options for filling the vacancy: direct appointment, an open call for applicants, appointing an unsuccessful candidate from the 2022 election, or holding a byelection.

The open call was chosen for its inclusivity and relatively low cost of approximately $3,000, compared to the $30,000–$40,000 estimated for a byelection.

Eligible residents of the municipality are encouraged to apply for the position.