Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
The Town of Peace River is getting ready for the 2025 municipal election, appointing its returning officer at its regular council meeting Oct. 15.
The next municipal election is Oct. 20, 2025 and the municipality wanted to ensure it was ready well in advance.
“The Local Authorities Election Act Section 13, says council may appoint a returning office for the purpose of conducting the election and must appoint a substitute returning office if the returning officer is incapable of performing the duties of the returning officer,” says Mayor Elaine Manzer.
“Kayla Parson, legislative services coordinator, was appointed as the returning officer, with CAO Barb Miller to serve as a substitute returning officer.”
Administration recommended council appoint Parsons to align with the role of legislative services.
“The province has implemented some new rules including new rules for the new councils,” explains Manzer, noting that many of the changes will be announced soon.
“Members of the present council have not formally indicated if they will run in the October 2025 election. The deadline for nomination papers to be handed in is in September 2025.”
Town of Peace River council currently is comprised of Manzer, deputy mayor Shelly Shannon, and councillors Marc Boychuk, Brad Carr, Orren Ford, Don Good, and Byron Schamehorn.