By Jessica Jones For the Independent
Village of Gadsby residents have been left in a lurch following the resignations of its CAO and three-member council in early May.
Resident Kerri Pothier, who has lived in the Village of Gadsby for 15 years, was shocked to learn of the resignations of the Village’s governing body after an acquaintance working at the Village was allegedly asked “to turn over his keys.”
Alberta Municipal Affairs have corroborated that residents of the Village of Gadsby are without any elected officials at the moment.
“Ministry staff have spoken with the former Mayor of Gadsby, and confirmed that all members of council have resigned,” said Communications Advisor Ian Roddick, who confirmed this information with Municipal Affairs.
“The Minister is currently considering options for supporting the community moving forward, and more information will be provided to Gadsby residents in the coming days.
“In the meantime, the ministry has confirmed that the County of Stettler and village staff will continue to provide essential services to village residents,” he said.
County of Settler CAO Yvette Cassidy was informed of the Village of Gadsby resignations on May 9th.
“We have been in discussion with Municipal Affairs on how we may be involved going forward, and will inform you of any further developments as we become aware,” Cassidy mentioned in an email.
Cassidy directed questions into the reasons behind the resignations back to the Village of Gadsby, mentioning that she couldn’t comment on another municipality, which is located 20 minutes east of Stettler.
Calls and emails to the Village of Gadsby’s former CAO, Mayor and councillors haven’t been returned.
Pothier is concerned about the resignations and how various local situations will be handled going forward, explaining that, for one thing, there is a known asbestos issue on a lot (153z, block 4, lot 13-15) located across the street from her property.
Pothier first expressed concerns about the potential health concern of the lot at a public meeting held by the Village two years ago.
According to Pothier, the County of Stettler did send a crew to put up a containment fence around the site on May 10th.
The Village of Gadsby is known for being the smallest village in Alberta with an approximate population of 40 people.