RMWB schedules Ward 4 byelection for Nov. 4

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Ward 4 will hold a byelection to replace Councillor Jane Stroud on Nov. 4. The ward includes Anzac, Conklin, Gregoire Lake Estates and Janvier. Stroud passed away in August.

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A byelection was not needed, but councillors and representatives from Ward 4 agreed Stroud would not want the seat to sit vacant.

Because there are fewer than 18 months remaining before the next municipal election, the Alberta government allows a municipality to wait. The next municipal election is scheduled for October 2025 and nominations open on Jan. 1.

The cost of the byelection is estimated to cost the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) about $50,000.

Rolando Inzunza, consultation director for the Chard Metis Nation, pointed out that Mayor Sandy Bowman praised Stroud’s work during her funeral and later said her work needs to continue. There are still issues facing Ward 4, said Inzunza, and local representation is needed to continue this work.

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The ward has secured, or is in the process of getting, new playgrounds and paved roads, high-speed internet, affordable and stable housing, and running water and sewage services. Stroud was also an advocate for secondary routes in the area and expanding Highway 881.

A byelection would not just bring representation to council, he said, but would also be a tribute to Stroud’s political career.

Matthew Michetti, senior manager of government relations for the Willow Lake Metis Nation, argued Ward 4 is too important to remain empty until October 2025. The area includes most of Highway 881, industrial sites, two First Nations and three Metis communities.

“It requires a dedicated and engaged representative in council to promote and steward these myriad interests and this priority growth area,” he said.

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“Further, the distribution of rural to urban based councilors leaves us with concerns regarding adequate representation on council relative to issues specifically affecting rural communities.”

Councillor Shafiq Dogar asked administration if the RMWB could skip a byelection and appoint a councillor. Dogar was told no.

After some confusion about appropriate dates, Councillor Kendrick Cardinal pitched Nov. 4 as a date for a byelection. Council agreed unanimously. Councillor Ken Ball was absent from the meeting.

“Jane wouldn’t want it any other way. She would want us to be able to push for the people. She would be there in spirit,” said Cardinal.

Bowman agreed that Stroud would also want a byelection as soon as possible.

“It’s an important ward, as we heard from presenters. There’s a lot of issues we haven’t had and some that she’s been fighting for and we’ve been fighting for,” said Bowman, naming Highway 881 improvements as an example.

“I’ll be happy to see someone representing that ward and in the near future.”

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vmcdermott@postmedia.com

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