THREE RIVERS, P.E.I. - There will be some tight races to decide who will make up the first elected Three Rivers council.
Candidates’ names were released following Friday’s municipal deadline, with seats being contested in nine of the municipality’s 10 wards.
There is a mix of former council members and political newcomers seeking to make up the community’s first council, which will include 12 councillors and a mayor.
Former Brudenell mayor Peggy Coffin is one of six candidates running for Three Rivers mayor.
Coffin, an East Wiltshire teacher who has served on Brudenell council since 1988, said she wants to foster a culture of co-operation among the amalgamated communities.
"I've come to a new understanding of why we need to be together as communities rather than seven small, single places working for our own benefit,” said Coffin.
Ed MacAulay, who previously served on Cardigan council for nine years up until about 2012, is also seeking the mayor’s seat.
MacAulay, who has worked in various roles as a social worker over the past 32 years, wants to make sure the new council has open-minded leadership and a transparent process that will ensure every voice is heard, something he said hasn’t happened in recent years.
“I’d like to see an equal distribution of people involved from each community, just to make sure we get off on the right foot... we’re here to work on pulling this community together and bringing it together,” said MacAulay, whose municipal experience includes three years as Cardigan’s council chairman.
“Throughout this (amalgamation) process, there were a lot of people who felt they were left out… if we’re going to move forward and make this work it has to be all-inclusive.”
Candidates for the Three Rivers municipal election
Mayor – Jim Bagnall, Peggy Coffin, Richard A. Collins, Edward MacAulay, Dalene Stewart, M. Anne VanDonkersgoed
Ward 1 – Jane King, William Earl (Billy) Johnston
Ward 2 (Acclaimed) – Alan Munro
Ward 3 – Sean Hailey, Yvonne Higgins, Gerard Holland
Ward 4 – Barry MacDonald, Ronnie Nicholson
Ward 5 – Brian Harding, Cameron MacLean
Ward 6 – John Allen MacLean, David McGrath, Elizabeth (Beth) Nicholson
Ward 7 – Ray Brow, Cindy MacLean
Ward 8 – Michael Gallant, Cody Jenkins
Ward 9 – Isaac MacIntyre, Mike McCormack
Ward 10 (Three seats) – Robert Gallant, Debbie Johnston, Shane MacDonald, John MacFarlane, Wayne Spin
