Northern Ont. town taking applications for new mayor after previous one abruptly resigns
Éric Côté resigned as the mayor of the Township of Moonbeam last week and town council has decided to fill the mayoral vacancy by appointment.
Éric Côté resigned as the mayor of the Township of Moonbeam on August 29, 2024. Côté, who was elected during the 2022 municipal election, is pictured here at the town municipal office. (Township of Moonbeam)
Côté, who had served as mayor since the 2022 municipal election, provided his letter of resignation to council on Aug. 29.
Emergency meeting
After receiving the mayor’s resignation, council held an emergency meeting on Thursday night to discuss the town’s next steps.
The Town of Moonbeam is located along Highway 11, about an hour drive northwest of Cochrane, Ont.
An undated aerial photo of Remi Lake in Moonbeam, Ont. (Township of Moonbeam)
Taking applications for mayor
“In accordance with current procedures, the council has decided to proceed by appointment to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Côté’s departure,” said the township in a news release.
During the meeting, council officially declared the office of the mayor vacant.
“(Council) voted on a procedure for appointment to fill the vacancy on the Moonbeam city council by call for applications,” reads the release.
Hélène Le Saux Néron, previously the deputy mayor has assumed the role of acting mayor for the nomination and appointment period.
Hélène Le Saux Néron, previously the deputy mayor of the Township of Moonbeam, Ont., has assumed the role of acting mayor for the nomination and appointment period after the elected mayor suddenly resigned on August 29, 2024. Undated photo. (Township of Moonbeam)
“Her role will be to ensure the continuity of municipal affairs and a smooth transition until a new mayor is appointed,” said town officials.
“Council and town staff will continue to work diligently to serve the citizens of Moonbeam with the same commitment and passion.”
An undated photo of the welcome sign for the Township of Moonbeam, Ont. (File photo/Supplied/Township of Moonbeam)
Any resident interested in applying to be the town mayor must complete and submit the Candidate Nomination Consent Form and the Declaration of Qualifications Form to the town clerk at the municipal office on St Aubin Avenue by Sept. 11 at noon.
“Applicants must provide the clerk with a valid government-issued ID along with the (previously) noted documentation in person during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (from) Monday – Friday,” said the town in a subsequent news release.
Choosing a mayor
A special council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 18 at Chamber’s Hall in the municipal office to select an applicant for mayor.
“Certified registered candidates will have the opportunity to address council for a period not exceeding five minutes and will then be asked questions by council during the special meeting of council,” said town officials.
More information on the vacancy and the nomination and application process can be found on the town’s website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal man dead after boat explodes in Fort Lauderdale
A Montreal man is dead and several others are injured after a boat exploded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors, a Kazakh official said.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
What is Christmas like for Quebec health-care workers who stay on the job?
Most Quebecers get together with family and friends on Christmas Eve, but many professions require people to remain on the job at all times, including health-care workers.
Alberta premier hopes for health reform payoff in 2025, regrets deferring tax cut
"It may have been better for Albertans if we'd implemented and then found a way to be able to pay for it."
Second storm incoming for Christmas Day in southern B.C.
Environment Canada has issued a new series of weather warnings for British Columbia’s south coast Christmas morning.
Trial of man accused in Trump assassination attempt in Florida pushed back to September
A man accused of attempting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump in South Florida won't be tried until September 2025, a federal judge ruled this week.
Pope urges 'all people of all nations' to silence arms and overcome divisions in Christmas address
Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday urged 'all people of all nations' to find courage during this Holy Year 'to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions' plaguing the world, from the Middle East to Ukraine, Africa to Asia.