Burnaby voters could be heading to the polls this summer and not for a possible federal election.
The passing of Couns. Nick Volkow and Paul McDonell in 2020 left two vacancies on Burnaby city council, requiring the city to hold a byelection. A report to council this coming Monday outlines several key dates, including the byelection taking place on June 26, which would be 75 days after the appointment of a chief election officer.
According to the report, other dates for the byelection include a nomination period of May 11 to 21, declaration of candidates on May 21, a campaign period of May 29 to June 26, and a declaration of election by voting on May 31. Advance voting would take place on June 12 and 16 at Willingdon Community Centre, Cameron Recreation Complex, Bonsor Recreation Complex and Alan Emmott Center, and on June 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 at Bill Copeland Sports Centre.
“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city has been conducting preparations for the byelection with the safety of residents, candidates and staff as a primary concern,” the report states.
Voting using mail-in ballots, however, will not be happening for the byelection. Council members were told in February that mail-in ballots weren’t practical for this byelection due to the cost (at least $124,000) and short time frame to get approval from the province.
The Burnaby Citizens Association has nominated two women to run for seats on council once a byelection is announced.
On the ballot will be former Burnaby school trustee Baljinder Narang and environmental activist Alison Gu.
They will be running against Mehreen Chaudry and Teresa Rossiello, who are running for the Burnaby Green Party, as well as anyone else who declares in the coming months.
