Kawartha Lakes to hold by-election for Ward 5 Councillor

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES:The City of Kawartha Lakes has announced plans to hold a by-election to fill the recently vacated Ward 5 Councillor position following the resignation of Councillor Eric Smeaton, which was effective as of November 1st.

Councillor Smeaton formally submitted his resignation to the City Clerk, prompting the Council to declare the position vacant during the Council meeting on Thursday, November 19th.

Under the Municipal Act, the municipality is required to decide how to fill the vacancy within 60 days of declaring it. After reviewing several options, the Council has opted for a by-election to ensure democratic representation for the nearly 10,000 electors residing in Ward 5.

The by-election process will follow the same procedures as past elections, with internet voting as the designated method. The City Clerk will prepare a by-law to authorize the by-election, which must be passed at a Special Council Meeting by January 18th, 2025. The nomination period will begin 30 to 60 days after the by-law is passed, and Voting Day will occur 45 days after Nomination Day.

While this process ensures accessibility and convenience for voters, the seat will remain vacant until the new Councillor is sworn in, likely in April or May 2025.

Ward 5 residents are encouraged to verify their registration on the Voters’ List at https://vreg.registertovoteon.ca/en/home.