Ward 8 byelection date set for September with community already 'a buzz,' says councillor

The process to elect a new Ward 8 councillor will begin Thursday. 

Or, as Coun. Tom Jackson says, "The gates are open." 

He spoke at a council meeting Wednesday where the byelection was approved. 

Those who want to run for councillor can sign up beginning Thursday, said clerk Matthew Trennum. Nominations will close 2 p.m. on Aug. 8. The final list of candidates will be posted to the city's website by Aug. 12. 

Advanced voting will take place Sept. 20 and 21 and Election Day will be Sept. 22, Trennum said. 

"There is such a buzz in the community," said Jackson, who represents nearby Ward 6. "I suspect it's going to be a robust and vigorous campaign." 

The Mountain seat became vacant when John-Paul Danko was recently elected as a member of parliament. 

Ward 8 runs from the top of the escarpment to the hydro corridor south of Rymal Road, and from Upper Wellington Street to the east and Garth Street to the west. 

Earlier this month, councillors voted to hold a byelection rather than appoint a councillor despite it being more expensive. A byelection is expected to cost about $200,000 while an appointment would cost $10,000. 

But councillors like Matt Francis and Ted McMeekin said it was important for residents to exercise their democratic rights.

Next month, council will decide on election details like if tabulators will be used, and what alternative voting methods will be available. 

The next general municipal election is in 2026.