Why the Ward 1 seat is vacant

The Ward 1 Town Councillor seat is now vacant. Kristina Tesser Derksen, who held the position, was elected as the Member of Parliament for Milton East–Halton Hills South in the federal election.

What happens next

Under the Municipal Act, 2001, Council must officially declare the seat vacant at their upcoming meeting on May 26. Council then has 60 days (until July 26, 2025), to appoint a person to fill the vacancy or pass a by-law requiring a by-election be held.

Appointments can happen in two ways:

  • Appointment by application
  • Direct appointment of a qualified individual

Council’s options for filling the seat

Appointment through an application process

Council can choose to fill the vacancy by inviting applications from qualified residents.

To apply, a person must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Live in Milton, or own or rent property in Milton, or be the spouse of someone who does
  • Not be legally banned from voting

The process includes:

  • Posting a public notice about the vacancy
  • Accepting applications from the public
  • Holding a Special Council Meeting (open to the public) to make the appointment
  • Passing a bylaw and completing the Declaration of Office

Direct appointment of a qualified individual
Council can also appoint someone directly. If Council chooses this option, Town staff will confirm the person meets all eligibility criteria and is willing to take the position. Council will then pass a bylaw to complete the Declaration of Office.

By-election

Council may hold a by-election to let voters choose the new Ward 1 Councillor.

Key facts about a by-election

  • The Clerk chooses the date for Nomination Day to make sure the Town meets all legal and operational needs
  • The Town Clerk must set the Nomination Day 30 to 60 days after Council decides to hold a by-election
  • Voting Day must take place 45 days after Nomination Day
  • Only Ward 1 residents will be eligible to vote

Estimated cost: A by-election would cost between $185,000 and $200,000. This includes service provider fees, election materials, and staffing.

More information

Council will discuss these options at its meeting on Monday, May 26. Residents interested in the process can attend the meeting in person at 150 Mary St. or watch the livestream on Milton’s YouTube channel.