Brock reviews options but holds off on appointing Regional Council alternate

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Township Council has received a staff report, outlining the legislative process for appointing an alternate member to Durham Regional Council, following the sudden resignation of Mayor Walter Schummer, in late May. However, no alternate was named during the meeting held Monday, June 9th.

The report, presented by Deputy CAO and Municipal Clerk Fernando Lamanna, explained, the provisions of the Municipal Act which allow lower-tier municipalities to appoint an alternate member of Regional Council, under two distinct circumstances: a temporary absence (Section 268) or a vacancy in the office (Section 267).

At present, Councillor Cria Pettingill is already designated, under Section 268, as Brock’s alternate for Regional Council, a decision made by council on October 23rd, 2023. However, that appointment only permits her to attend Regional Council meetings when the mayor is unable to do so, and does not extend to any committee participation.

“The Regional Clerk has clarified, under Section 268, the alternate can only attend full council meetings, not any of the committee meetings the former mayor was a part of,” Mr. Lamanna said, during the meeting.

With the mayor’s seat now officially vacant and a by-election planned, the report notes council has the option, though not the obligation, to appoint an alternate, under Section 267. This section would allow a councillor to temporarily serve at the Regional level, until the mayor’s seat is permanently filled.

“If council does not choose to appoint an alternate, under Section 267, Brock forfeits its voting rights at the Region for the duration of the vacancy,” Mr. Lamanna added. “However, the appointment can be made at a future meeting, if council chooses.”

In the months ahead, that absence would be felt at a number of regional meetings, four in June and three scheduled for September. Still, council opted not to move forward with an alternate appointment at this time.

“We recognize the importance of Brock’s voice at the Region,” said Regional Councillor Mike Jubb. “But right now, our priority is addressing the mayoral vacancy. Once the process is underway, we can revisit the alternate member question if needed.”