A resolution was passed at last night's City of Dauphin Council Meeting, not to hold a by-election after the passing of Mayor Allen Dowhan, due to public health concerns.
This was done for public health concerns.
The resolution is subject to approval by the Minister of Municipal Relations.
The council meeting was open to members of the public and was well attended.
Four councilors voted in favor of the resolution, while two voted against it.
Councilor Kathy Bellemare, who was in favor of this order, says that a big concern of hers is keeping people safe.
“We just moved back up to code orange again in the province. Leaders are obviously concerned with what’s happening with Manitoba’s data, and with other provinces close to us.”
Councilor Patti Eilers said that having a by-election would be the democratic thing to do.
“There’s no reason we can’t have a safe by-election. We just had a federal election, and I don’t think this is a concern of our citizens.”
According to the Municipal Act, if there’s no by-election, a current councilor would be appointed by the current members of the council. This would happen once the resolution is approved by the Minister.
