The Town of Sexsmith is remembering its mayor and trying to decide what to do next. Officials will need to hold a by-election to fill the now-vacant position left by the passing of Claude Lagace. Sexsmith CAO Rachel Wueschner says Deputy Mayor Isak Skjaveland will hold the position for the time being.
“The deputy mayor will be taking over and we will have to have an election in the near future within 90 days.”
Lagace passed away on Saturday in Grande Prairie. He was 66-years-old. Born in 1952, he was a long-time resident of Sexsmith and was elected as mayor in 2007. Wueschner says Lagace will be missed.
“The Council and Staff of the Town of Sexsmith are deeply saddened by the loss of our great, long-serving leader. His strength, support, caring spirit and sense of humour will be greatly missed. His leadership was the key to the success of this community
and we will all strive to take on his torch and continue in his footsteps.”
Moving forward, Wueschner says they will be looking to schedule and nomination day and an election day in the near future.
“It’s about 6 weeks for an election after nomination day. At this time were just looking at what nomination day might be, but that hasn’t been determined.”
A memorial for Lagace will be held at the Peace River Bible Institute auditorium in Sexsmith on October 6 at 1 p.m.