General Information

The Ward 1 and Ward 3 Election Recount was completed on November 23, 2006.  The recount did not change the election results, although there are changes to the vote count.

In Ward 3, Betty Yeoman received 330 votes (was 327) and Les Hanenburg received 323 votes (was 325) after the recount.

In Ward 1, Linda Fulton received 505 votes (was 505) and Dave Oliphant received 505 votes (was 506) after the recount.  The recount created a tie vote in Ward 1.

Since the recount created a tie vote for Ward 1, the Municipal Election Act requires that a tie vote is determined by lot.  Accordingly, the Clerk placed both names in a hat.  Dave Oliphant's name was drawn.

According to Section 62(4) of the Municipal Elections Act, if no application has been made for a judicial recount under section 63 the clerk shall, on the 16th day after the recount is completed, declare the successful candidate(s).  Accordingly, this information indicates the recount results and is not a declaration of candidates elected.

According to Section 64(1) of the Municipal Elections Act, the candidates declared elected from the original election results are entitled to sit and hold office until all recounts and applications under this Act have been disposed of.

Any questions on this matter should be directed to Jeff Carswell, Clerk.

Original Official Election Results

The 2006 Municipal Election turned out to be a very close race in Ward 1 and Ward 3.

In Ward 1, Clive Lawry topped the polls with 563 votes.  Only 1 vote separated Dave Oliphant and Linda Fulton for the second spot on Council.  Dave Oliphant gathered 506 votes to Linda Fulton's 505 votes.  Rob Gribble rounded out the race with 92 votes.  In Ward 1, Clive Lawry and Dave Oliphant have been declared elected.

There was also a very close race in Ward 3.  Jeremy Smith received the most votes at 505.  Following for the second Council seat was incumbent Betty Yeoman with 327 votes.  Third place went to Les Hanenburg who was only 2 votes behind Yeoman with 325.  In Ward 3, Jeremy Smith and Betty Yeoman have been declared elected.

As can be expected, there are many questions being asked about recounts.  The Municipal Elections Act makes provisions for mandatory recounts only in the event of a tie.  There are no mandatory provisions for a recount on a "close vote".  In this case, Council can direct the Clerk to conduct a recount.  This must be done within 30 days from the election results being announced and if directed the recount must take place within 15 days.  There are also provisions for a voter to make application to the Superior Court of Justice for an order that the clerk hold a recount.

Council considered a recount at its meeting on November 15, 2006.  At that meeting, a motion to conduct a recount was defeated on a tie vote.  The Mayor was absent, and since that time he has called a Special Meeting for Monday, November 20th at 5:00 p.m. to reconsider the recount matter.  The meeting on the 20th is open to the public.