The population of Buffalo Narrows in 2016 was approximately 1,100 residents. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

municipal politics

Judge orders new election for Buffalo Narrows

Jan 12, 2021 | 2:13 PM

Residents of Buffalo Narrows will be voting for a new council after last year’s election was ruled invalid.

That decision was made Jan. 7 by Justice Gary Meschisknick at Battleford Court of Queen’s Bench. The ruling means a bylaw created from the previous council to restrict a number of residents from voting is deemed invalid. The bylaw prohibited residents from running in a municipal election if they had criminal records, overdue utility bills or in tax arrears with the village.

The ruling also includes $7,500 awarded in costs to the applicants.

“I am extremely happy about the ruling, it’s a really good thing,” said Sandra Ericson, who wasn’t permitted to run in the 2020 election. “I think the majority of the community of Buffalo Narrows is pretty excited about regaining our rights back to have a fair election.”

Ericson explained residents were surprised to learn about the previous council passing the bylaw, adding when it came to election time, 14 people were disqualified. She believes the bylaw was made to create division among community members.

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Ericson will be running when the village holds a new election, which she said could occur in March.

“The one good thing that came out of this bad situation is the town took a renewed interest in municipal politics, and came together to make sure we weren’t forced to do what we were supposed to do through that bylaw,” she said.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno