NIPIGON — Nipigon’s council has begun the search to replace the vacant council seat following the resignation of former councillor Pierre Pelletier.
During a council meeting earlier this week, council voted unanimously to accept Pelletier’s resignation and declare his seat vacant.
Pelletier originally resigned in mid-April, but due to a lack of quorum for the regularly-scheduled meeting of council on April 18, council was unable to officially accept the resignation until May 2.
Pelletier said that his resignation comes from a difference in opinion between him and the current council about the direction the town should be taking.
“I decided in my time from being there that things weren't going in the right direction, that I felt we should be going,” Pelletier said. “And I didn't feel personal issues should affect us operating on as council for the Township of Nipigon.”
Nipigon’s council now has 60 days to fill the vacancy and has reviewed three options on how to do it including an appointment from the candidates of the 2022 election, a call for nominees, and a by-election.
Council said that after reviewing the pros and cons of each option, they have decided on the option to call for nominees, which will allow them to select a new member and has been used by the township of Nipigon in the past.
Nominations will be accepted by the clerk’s office during regular business hours until May 12 at noon and interested nominees must submit an application that outlines applicable qualifications, experiences, and interest by that date.
Pelletier said that he hopes the nominee who fills his seat will bring a strong voice to council.
“Don’t go without your beliefs about how Nipigon should be and don’t get swayed,” he said.
In order to be considered eligible to fill the vacancy, nominees must be 18 years of age or older, a Canadian citizen, a resident of the township of Nipigon or an owner or tenant or the spouse of an owner or tenant of land in the township of Nipigon, and must not be prohibited from voting under any other act or disqualified from holding municipal office.
If an employee of the township seeks appointment to the council, they must give council written notice in advance of their intention to take unpaid leave and if they are appointed, they will be deemed to resign from their position with the township immediately before making the declaration of office.
