The mayoral race in the Village of Canal Flats remains deadlocked following two recounts of ballots after the Oct. 15 election.

Mayoral candidates Doug McCutcheon and Mark Doherty each received 158 votes, leading to first the recounts and now, reported Canal Flats’ Chief Elections Officer Sylvie Hoobanoff, a judicial recount is required in provincial court within 13 days of the election.

“The Village of Canal Flats General Election Local Government Bylaw No. 158, 2014, states that if votes are still equal, the results will be determined by lot,” Hoobanoff noted in an Oct. 16 update.

“The procedure for drawing the name is outlined in the Local Government Act Section 151 and will be conducted by provincial court. The candidates and election officials will be permitted to observe,” she explained.

“This is a highly unusual result, and village staff will work diligently to complete this process as soon as possible. Updates to the community will be provided when available,” Hoobanoff added.

Of 661 estimated eligible voters, 318 residents (49%) turned out to cast ballots Saturday.

Waiting for the mayoral count to conclude are four new council members.

Justin Stanbury (244 votes), Anora Kobza (241), Jennifer Noble (212) and Patricia Reed (192) captured the most votes.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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