Dysart et al elected officials will meet later this month to figure out next steps as to who will carry the torch as head of council to the end of the current term.
CAO Tamara Wilbee said the township adopted a new council vacancy policy in May 2025. It stipulates a by-election must only be held if a seat becomes vacant before March 31 of an election year. Because that date has passed, council will fill the mayoral seat – vacated following the death of incumbent, Murray Fearrey, last week – by appointment.
Wilbee said the first step will be to officially declare the seat as vacant. Council will then have 60 days from that date to select Fearrey’s successor.
There is a caveat within the policy that states vacancies do not need to be filled within 90 days of a municipal election, but with 151 days until voting day Oct. 26 at the time of Fearrey’s death, they are required to make an appointment. Council will discuss the issue June 16.
Thus far, one member of council has expressed interest – Ward 2 coun. Pat Casey, who is vying for the mayor’s seat in October’s vote – and another is undecided, deputy mayor Walt McKechnie.
Speaking to The Highlander June 1, McKechnie said it would be an honour to follow in the footsteps of his friend, Fearrey, but that he needed some time to think about it.
“Emotions are high right now, there’s a lot going on. I don’t think it’s the right time for me to make that decision,” McKechnie said.
Casey confirmed on June 2 he’d be willing to step up too.
“I’m ready for it, pretty well-versed in what’s going on in Dysart right now. I’m not trying to oversell myself, but I’m letting everybody know I’m available for the job and can definitely handle it,” Casey said. “If I’ve got to row the boat for a couple of months until the next election, I’m willing to do it.”
It doesn’t necessarily need to be a sitting member of council appointed to the role – members of the public can apply too. They need to be 18 or older, a Canadian citizen, and a resident of, or landowner, in Dysart. They will need to submit an endorsement of nomination signed by 25 eligible voters in Dysart. Candidates may also submit a personal statement of qualification for consideration.
Municipal employees may also apply, though must take an unpaid leave of absence until the position has been filled. If they are appointed, they will be forced to resign from their staff role.
Wilbee confirmed the appointee will not inherit strong mayor powers. She said, to the best of her knowledge, this is the first time an active member of Dysart et al council has died.
“It feels like there is a heavy cloud over the office at the moment. We are still in a bit of disbelief Murray is no longer here,” Wilbee said.
In his role as deputy, McKechnie will run Dysart council meetings until an appointment has been made.
