Here’s when Vancouver could elect 2 new city councillors

A person leaves a civic election polling station in Vancouver, B.C., Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A byelection to fill two vacant seats on Vancouver city council will take place on April 5, if a proposal coming forward next week is approved.

Voters will head to the polls to determine who will replace OneCity Coun. Christine Boyle, who left her position to serve as an MLA after October’s provincial election, and Green Coun. Adriane Carr, who announced her resignation Wednesday.

Green Coun. Pete Fry is now the only member of council who is not part of the mayor’s ABC party – which will retain its majority regardless of the byelection’s outcome.

Carr cited a “loss of trust and confidence” in the mayor and events at recent in-camera meetings as some of the reasons for her departure.

A report coming to council on Jan. 21 outlines the suggested timeline, which is contingent upon appointing a chief electoral officer. The plan would see candidate nominations begin on Feb. 18 and the final list declared on Feb. 28. Advance voting at City Hall would run from March 26 to April 1. Twenty-five polling places at community centres will be open on election day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The total cost of the byelection is estimated at $2 million. The report notes that voter turnout the last time the city held a byelection was 10.99 per cent.