Residents in La Ronge will vote for their municipal council more than a month before those in southern Saskatchewan. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

democracy

La Ronge council decides to push ahead next municipal election date

Dec 14, 2023 | 3:33 PM

The next general municipal election for La Ronge will happen in October 2024.

At a regular meeting on Tuesday, council was given options for the next election to be held on one of four dates next year including Sept. 18, Sept. 25, Oct. 2, and Nov. 13.

The Local Government Election Act sets the general municipal election date as the second Wednesday in November (Nov. 13), however, the Act gives northern municipalities the authority to reschedule the election to one of three alternate dates.

In prepared notes before the meeting, administration told council to strongly consider deviating from the Nov. 13 election date, adding it will make for a busy and condensed November and December.

“In conjunction with holiday festivities and commitments, this can create challenges and timing pressures to get a new council and administration moving forward on a revised path,” the document states.

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“It is expected that many major project decisions may be needed, and it is difficult for council to make these decisions without a comprehensive orientation, strategic priority setting, and budget process. A budget that is approved in February (or later) can affect a construction season, poor timing for tendering results, and delays in chartering the new path.”

Further to that, administration highlighted November is likely to have poorer weather, which can affect election turnout and impact those with mobility issues. In addition, the provincial election is scheduled for Oct. 28, and if the earliest municipal election date is selected (Sept. 18), it would fall at the end of summer and the start of the school year, which could be challenging for the public.

Council ultimately decided Oct. 2 would be the best date to hold the municipal election, meaning calls for nominations will be in July, the nomination deadline will be Aug. 28, and campaigning will be held in September.

“I appreciate this opportunity because when we hold elections in November … some people who can’t afford a warm ride, take single parents for example who have to try and bring their kids here during the winter, this could open it up for a greater chance of more people showing up to vote,” said Coun. Ryan Veteri.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com