Council vacancy policy up for debate in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay city staff are recommending a policy for filling vacancies which may occur on city council.

In most cases — but not all — voters would make the decision.

A report from administration recommends that a byelection be held if there is at least a year remaining in the council term.

If less than a year, a special committee would interview candidates to choose a replacement.

If the vacancy takes place within 90 days of the general election, the person would not be replaced. This is a standard under the Municipal Act.

Council voted down a similar proposal in 2011.

But councillor Iain Angus thinks the policy will be accepted this time.  He noted now is a good time to consider the option, when there is no vacant seat, and no need to consider the pros and cons of potential replacements.  

“We're not dealing with an actual vacancy, so I think there's greater opportunity for council to agree to this process,” he said.

Angus raised the issue shortly after last year's election. City staff spent several months researching what is done in other communities to help draft recommendations.

Angus said he likes the idea of conducting interviews with potential candidates.

"I think it's a good balance, as opposed to automatically assuming that the first runner up is the person who should be appointed,” he said.

"I think it's a very good package, and I'm hoping that my colleagues will endorse it."