This Canadian town needs a new mayor — but nobody wants to run
They’re running from office.
A small town in Canada is gearing up for municipal elections to be held in just weeks — but there’s one, small problem.
Nobody wants to be mayor.
With just 400 residents, the humble hamlet of Kyle has up until now been famous as the site where the 12,000 year-old bones of a wooly mammoth were uncovered, during a 1960’s road construction project.
But now, it risks becoming known as the town nobody wanted to run.
The trouble began when the incumbent, George Williams, announced his retirement after serving in the position since 2021 — and not one local stepped up to take his place.
“It’s a little concerning, but I am confident that someone will step forward,” Kyle’s Chief Administrative Officer Amber Dashney told CKOM-AM.
Time is running out, however — the election will be held Nov. 13, and two attempts to secure a nomination from the reportedly declining local population have so far been unsuccessful.
But, Dashney explained, the local council — which also has an open seat and no nominees — won’t take the town’s silence for an answer.
Should nobody raise their hand for the job of Hizzoner, a fill-in will be selected and a special election date will be announced. And then another, if necessary.
“We will continue calling a by-election until we fill the mayor spot and the other councilor spot, as well,” Dashney said.
Kyle is located 45 miles away from Swift Current, Saskatchewan’s sixth-largest city.
The town has its own mascot, “Wally” the Wooly — a 12 ft. cement tribute to the historic finding nearby.
Attractions in Kyle include a vintage drive-in movie theatre dating back to the 1950s, which still opens every summer season, an annual beach volleyball tournament, and a soon-to-debut dog park.
Described as “a place where old meets new,” Kyle is “taking positive steps to ensure this town remains a viable place of business and more importantly a safe place to raise a family for the coming years,” town literature reads.
