After receiving a report from staff, which included the resignation letter of now former Councillor Steve Bartley, Meaford council officially declared his seat vacant on Monday, September 8, during their first meeting after their August break.
After deciding to sell his farm and move out of the municipality, Bartley, who was first elected to council in 2014 and was re-elected in 2018 and 2022, submitted his resignation letter on August 19, with the resignation taking effect September 3.
“In accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001 (the “Act”) section 259(1)(d), the office of a member of Council of a municipality becomes vacant if the member resigns from his or her office and the resignation is effective when notice is filed in writing with the Clerk of the municipality,” staff advised in their report to council. “Once notice is filed, the Council shall, at its next meeting, declare the office to be vacant, except if a vacancy occurs as a result of the death of a member, the declaration may be made at either of its next two meetings according to section 262(1) of the Act. The Municipality shall, within 60 days after the day a declaration of vacancy is made, appoint a person to fill the vacancy or pass a by-law requiring a by-election be held to fill the vacancy.”
All members of council said that Bartley will be missed.
“We are saddened to see Steve step away. As a first time councillor I can honestly say he was also a mentor,” said Councillor Rob Uhrig. “He is definitely going to be missed.”
“Councillor Bell, Councillor Bartley and I have been here together since 2014, and it has always been such a pleasure to work with Steve,” offered Deputy Mayor Shirley Keaveney. “Steve, I hope you are listening today, and that you recognize how much your efforts over all of these years have been appreciated. Please know, as Rob said, you are going to be severely missed. I look over at your empty chair today, and it is a very real reminder that you are no longer going to be with us, and it is sad, but we wish you all the best in your move to Chatsworth, and I know you will be keeping an eye on us, so all the best, Steve.”
“As I said in an interview with the editor of The Meaford Independent, I think all of us have double checked to make sure we have his phone number on our phones,” Mayor Ross Kentner told council. “Because I’m sure we will have budgetary questions for him at some time or other in the future.”
“I know that my kindred spirit, Steve, will be likely watching today’s council meeting, and when people decide to put their name forward to run for council, one thing that can happen, and it happened with Steve and myself, I gained a friend,” said Councillor Tony Bell.
“The best word I can think of to describe Steve is solid,” offered Councillor Harley Greenfield. “He was a solid person, a solid performer, a solid councillor.”
“Steve, we’re going to miss you, happy belated birthday,” said Councillor Brandon Forder. “Whether he is listening now, or fishing in northern Ontario, I know he is having a great time. We wish you all the best, and will be in touch.”
Council will need to decide if Bartley’s seat will be filled with an appointed member for the remainder of the term, or to hold a by-election.
The next municipal election is scheduled to be held on October 26, 2026.
“Council has two options to fill a vacancy, appoint a person who has consent to accept the office if appointed, or call a by-election. With Council’s direction, staff will move forward with preparing a report outlining more detail with respect to options available to fill the vacancy and respective costs for Council’s consideration,” staff advised in their report.
Council approved the recommendation included in the report to both declare Bartley’s seat vacant, and to direct staff to prepare a report outlining the process and options for filling the vacancy.
“I would like to say that I am convinced that all of council and staff are resolved that we will fill this vacancy in the most publicly transparent manner available to us,” noted Mayor Kentner.
