A byelection has been called to replace former councillor Wade Bearchell, who resigned on Oct. 22, citing personal reasons.
Bearchell had been an Olds councillor for nine years. He was in the midst of his third term.
The byelection will be held on Jan. 20, 2020. Council made that decision during a meeting Oct. 28.
Nominations will be accepted Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Town of Olds municipal office until Dec. 9 at noon. The town office is located at 4512 46 St., next to the Best Western.
Anyone interested in running for the vacant council seat, can be pick up information packages at the town office during regular business hours.
Earlier, town officials had thought they might need to ask the provincial government for an extension because the rules say a byelection must be held within 90 days of a council seat becoming vacant and there was concern it would thus occur during the busy Christmas season. So there was talk of holding it into January or even February.
However, councillors concluded that wouldn't really be necessary.
"I don't see why we can't have this completed by the end of January," Councillor Mary Anne Overwater said. "I think if people are serious about running, they're going to get their nomination papers in.
"And you know what? They're not going to canvas over a five-day period over Christmas, or whatever it is. They're going to be out there as soon as they get their papers handed in."
More information, including the dates for advanced polls, will be released after council's Nov. 4 meeting.
