Wetaskiwin Council presented with figures to verify possible petition

Article content

While signatures are being collected for a petition to recall Wetaskiwin Mayor Tyler Gandam, the City is considering its next steps if a petition is presented to the City. 

Article content

At the March 25 regular Council meeting, Kevin Bamber, manager of Fleet and Facilities, presented a report on what will happen if a petition is presented to the City. 

Article content

The City of Wetaskiwin received a notice of recall petition against Gandam Feb. 12. To be sufficient, there must be 5,062 signatures collected by April 12. If a petition is presented, the City will have 45 days to verify those signatures. 

In his report, Bamber said, under the Municipal Government Act, City staff could verify those signatures, but Administration wanted to make Council aware that funding for an external company may be required to ensure the City can validate the signatures within the 45-day deadline without significant disruption to City services. 

Hiring an outside source to verify the signatures would cost between $20,000 and $25,000 plus a seven per cent administration fee. Bamber noted this would only cover the cost of the verification process and does not include the costs related to a possible by-election. 

A by-election held in August 2023 to fill the seat left vacant after Coun. Kevin Lonsdale resigned cost between $32,000 and $35,000. 

Council accepted the report as information at this time. 

Share this article in your social network