Nomination Day is fast approaching as the Village of Beiseker looks to fill some big shoes left by the sudden passing of a beloved councillor earlier this summer.
Beiseker Village administration said they have not received any nominations for the council seat as of Sept. 7, but residents have until noon on Sept. 19 to hand in their nomination forms.
Nomination packages are available at the Village Office for pick up and must be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Beiseker’s municipal office.
Heather Leslie, the CAO of the Village of Beiseker, noted there have been several inquiries for nomination packages.
The by-election is set on Oct. 17,and there will be no advanced voting.
Before residents cast their vote they will have a chance to hear from each candidate at the Oct. 3 candidates forum. The forum will be held at the Beiseker Community Hall and will give each nominee a chance to express their views openly.
The forum will serve to help the public make an informed decision on which candidate best represents their own positions on the issues.
Topics to be discussed at the forum will be up to the candidates, according to Leslie.
“The municipal office has no information about the platforms of any potential candidates,” Leslie added.
The public will also have a chance to ask their own questions at the forum after the candidates' presentations.
By-election candidates will be announced after Nomination Day on Sept. 20.
If only one candidate hands in their nomination forms, the public forum will not be held as that nominee will be acclaimed to serve on Beiseker’s council.
While the last general election took place in 2021, the most recent by-election occurred in 2016.
The council position waiting to be filled this fall was previously held by Coun. Karen Ursu, who passed away suddenly at the age of 68 on July 20. She had served on Village council since 2011.
Beiseker Mayor Warren Wise said Ursu played a significant role during her time on council. He added it was a shock to hear of her passing and that she will be missed by many within the small rural community.
After first winning her seat in a 2011 byelection, Ursu participated on several committees and spearheaded various initiatives throughout the community. She oversaw the library and schools on council, while also being the representative of the Community Futures board and the EDC board.
A GoFundMe page has been established to support the Ursu family as they handle the unexpected financial expenses arising from Ursu’s passing. They are also accepting private donations through her husband’s email at [email protected].
