The City of Red Deer will head to the polls on Monday, April 22nd, to fill the vacancy left by former Red Deer City Councillor Michael Dawe.
The decision to choose April 22nd as the date for the by-election was met with approval from the council members at the Monday, January 22nd council meeting. The date allows for - according to the city manager - a timely process that ensures citizens have the opportunity to cast their votes and choose a candidate who will carry on Councillor Dawe's legacy of service to the community.
Prospective candidates eager to step into the shoes of the late Councillor Dawe have until March 25, 2024, to submit their paperwork and officially enter the by-election race. Those interested can find detailed candidate information packages at elections.reddeer.ca, providing essential guidelines for participation in this significant civic event.
The city will release the names of the candidates on March 27.
During the council meeting, a presentation highlighted the financial aspect of the by-election. According to the information shared, the estimated cost of the by-election is approximately $450,000.
The approval of the by-election for April 22nd also cancelled the proposed Municipal Census the City was working on which was expected to start later this year.
Dawe passed away on Christmas Eve was first elected to the council in 2017, and was subsequently re-elected in 2021. Before being elected to office, Dawe served as the full-time archivist with the Red Deer and District Archive.