Former Councillor Ray Young
Prescott council has chosen former Councillor Ray Young to fill the seat left vacant after the death of Coun. Ruth Lockett.
Lockett passed away in March after a tragic fall at the Alaine Chartrand Community Centre. Her council seat had remained empty until members voted Tuesday night to appoint Young.
Young was the runner-up in the 2022 municipal election and previously served on council from 2018 to 2022.
Mayor Gauri Shankar said council had four options: appoint the runner-up, hold a byelection, accept community applications, or choose a resident.
Council agreed that bringing back Young was the fastest and most cost-effective choice. A byelection could have delayed the appointment until late summer.
Young lives in Johnstown, in Edwardsburgh Cardinal, but rents property in Prescott, making him eligible to serve.
The Lockett family has supported the decision. Young will officially join council once the appointment is passed into bylaw.
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