Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Village of Donnelly council will look slightly different, after two new candidates put their names forward for the 2025 municipal election.
Three incumbents were acclaimed to council, with former Mayor Myrna Lanctot, Deputy Mayor Vance Yaremko, and Councillor Candace Waye all committing their time this term.
“We have been very fortunate to have five people put their name forward and so now we have a full council again,” says Former Mayor Lanctot.
“We have two new people and three of us are incumbents, so we have a little bit of continuity and some change. I’m excited to see where this will take us.”
Lanctot explains that they will hold their organizational meeting on Oct. 28 to decide who will be mayor, and which different regional committees the councillors will be appointed to. These committees include, but are not limited to, regional airport committee, physician recruitment, economic development, water co-op, waste commission, and Heart River Housing.
“The next biggest challenge will be replacing the chief administrative officer,” says Lanctot.
“We have an interim CAO in place until the end of December, but we will have to organize meetings to get a permanent CAO under contract. We’ll start the hiring process, likely starting right after the organizational meeting.”
Lanctot says it’s a big commitment to sit on council, one that their councillors understand cannot be taken lightly.
“Our councillors will work on what they feel is best for our community and best for our residents,” she says.
“We communicate with our ratepayers to see what they want and to hear their concerns, always communicating with an open mind.”
Lanctot says it is vital for councillors to put forward the best options for the Village of Donnelly. She adds they are willing to find new collaborations and welcome new endeavours into the community.
“Our past council has always said we are open for business,” Lanctot concludes.
“We’re open to new ideas and partners.”
Lanctot says to keep an eye on the Village of Donnelly website, as the job advertisement for chief administrative officer will be on the website when their council is ready to accept applications.