By Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
The Town of LaSalle will hold a by-election this fall to fill a vacant seat on Council, following a unanimous vote at the municipality’s Regular Meeting of Council.
The decision comes in the wake of the passing of Councillor Sue Desjarlais, a respected and long-serving member of the local government. In a meeting marked by both reflection and resolution, LaSalle councillors reviewed several options for addressing the vacancy before concluding that a by-election would offer the most transparent and democratic path forward for residents.
Among the options presented were three forms of appointment: selecting a previous candidate from the 2022 municipal election, opening applications to interested residents, or directly appointing a qualified person chosen by Council. However, Council ultimately opted for a by-election, emphasizing the importance of democratic participation and community engagement.
“Council is committed to ensuring that the residents of LaSalle have a voice and the right to vote for their local government,” said Mayor Crystal Meloche in a statement. “A by-election will allow our community to participate directly in selecting a new representative. It also allows fair opportunity for anyone who is eligible to run for a seat on Council.”
Voting Day is tentatively scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025. In a continued effort to modernize and streamline municipal processes, the by-election will be conducted entirely online. Eligible voters will be able to cast their ballots from the convenience of their homes or mobile devices using internet-connected computers, smartphones, or tablets. Officials say this method is intended to improve accessibility and increase voter turnout.
Further information regarding the by-election—including the nomination period, campaign rules, voter eligibility criteria, and voting instructions—will be shared in the coming weeks. The Town Clerk and the Council Services Department will coordinate the election process in accordance with the provisions of Ontario’s Municipal Elections Act, ensuring that all aspects of the vote are administered fairly and transparently.
The Town is encouraging all eligible residents who may be interested in running for Council to consider stepping forward. Officials say that while the by-election represents a necessary administrative step, it also presents a valuable opportunity for public service and community leadership.
The Town of LaSalle will provide regular updates on the by-election process through its official website at www.lasalle.ca. Residents can also stay informed by subscribing to the Town News page at www.lasalle.ca/news, where all announcements, timelines, and procedural information will be posted.
Councillor Desjarlais served LaSalle with distinction, and members of Council paid tribute to her legacy during the meeting, noting her contributions to municipal policy, community events, and resident advocacy. While her absence leaves a noticeable void at the Council table, town officials say the upcoming by-election is an important step in ensuring continued representation for the people of LaSalle.
“Local government is at its strongest when residents have a direct voice in shaping their leadership,” said Mayor Meloche. “This by-election is about honouring that principle and ensuring that the people of LaSalle are active participants in their democracy.”
Be the first to comment