City Council will hold a Mayoral by-election after Kevin Davis announced his intention to resign at the end of July.
Once the Mayor’s resignation officially takes effect, City Council must declare the Mayor’s seat vacant at the next Council meeting, which will be held on August 13, 2024.
Council then has 60 days to pass a by-law to direct staff to coordinate a by-election for the vacant Mayor’s seat. In accordance with s.284.12 of the Municipal Act, a by-election must be called to fill the vacant position of Mayor, as the Head of Council (Mayor) cannot be appointed. The by-election will be held in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.
Brantford currently has an Acting Head of Council By-law in place whereby Councillors rotate into the position every month. Ward 1 Councillor Rose Sicoli is scheduled to be Acting Mayor of the month in August.
Under Mayor Davis’ leadership, City Council approved a new Official Plan that will guide development of the city over the next several decades. In response to the ongoing housing crisis, Mayor Davis made affordable housing a key priority, overseeing the approval to develop over 500 new housing units during his tenure. He was also instrumental in bringing the Bulldogs OHL franchise to Brantford and championing a host of initiatives to further revitalize the city’s downtown core.
Mayor Davis’ resignation will mark the end of his term as Brantford’s Mayor, which began on December 3, 2018.
“On behalf of City staff, I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Mayor Kevin Davis on his new appointment to the License Appeal Tribunal and express our gratitude for his leadership over the past six years in advancing initiatives and achievements that have made our city stronger and better positioned for the future,” said Brian Hutchings, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the City of Brantford. “I also want to take this opportunity to reassure Brantford residents and businesses that the City’s Executive Leadership Team is committed to ensuring that the important work of the City continues uninterrupted during this transitional period.”
Mayor Davis is currently appointed to the Grand River Conservation Authority Board, Brant Waterways Foundation Board and the Downtown BIA Board. Council will be asked to appoint new representatives to take Mayor Davis’ place on these Committees.
