Only two candidates in North Bay's mayoral race
Municipal councils in Ontario are nearing the end of this term’s four-year cycle and with an election on the horizon, there are only two candidates running in North Bay's mayoral race as the nomination deadline looms.
Friday afternoon is the deadline to submit nominations for city council and school board nominations for those interested in seeking public office.
And as of Friday morning, only two North Bay candidates have expressed interest in succeeding Al McDonald as mayor.
McDonald announced last year he would not seek re-election after serving three terms.
Current North Bay city councillor Johanne Brousseau, whose first term in municipal politics is coming to a close, is taking a shot at the mayor's position.
"I'm a swimmer and I compare this to swimming a 5-kilometre swim, and I believe I did it successfully," she said.
"Now I’m ready to enter the waters and do a 10-kilometre swim."
But Brousseau has competition for the mayor's chair.
Former deputy mayor and current North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce President Peter Chirico is in the race.
CTV News reached out to him, but he was not available for comment.
The deadline to submit nomination papers is Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.
The candidate's paper must be accompanied by an endorsement of support signed by 25 voters along with a fee of $100 to run for city council and $200 to run for mayor.
"In order to run, they have to own or lease property in the City of North Bay," city clerk Karen McIsaac told CTV News.
"They don't have to live in the city, but they have to own or rent property."
The nomination must be certified by the clerk before the person becomes an official candidate for office. Election documents are prohibited from being filed by fax.
With only two candidates on the ballot as of Friday morning, McIsaac said many recognize the amount of work that goes into the job.
"There's also a lot of new rules with the integrity commissioner. It's just a huge time commitment," she said.
Brousseau calls it an exciting time for candidates.
"North bay is demonstrating that it has a good, strong democratic process," she said. "Congratulations to all those running."
As of Friday morning, 27 people are on the ballot seeking a city councillor role, including seven who are seeking re-election.
A full list of candidates can be found here.
Voting information can be found here. Residents can vote online between Oct. 13 and election day on Oct. 24 once receiving a voter letter in the mail.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.