Residents of North Cowichan will have two more opportunities to meet the candidates running in the April 12 byelection to fill an empty seat on council.
The Chemainus Residents Association is hosting an all-candidates meeting on Thursday, March 27, at 7 p.m. It will be held at the Chemainus 55+ Activity Centre, 9824 Willow St. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Kathy Wachs of the Chemainus Residents Association said their organization has held more than 10 such events and has the format down pat.
To make the best use of everyone’s time, attendees who wish to ask questions can sign up when they arrive and be given a numbered ticket. Tickets will be drawn for the opportunity to ask a question. Each candidate will introduce themselves in a randomized order with a three-minute opening statement, followed by audience questions. Organizers stress they will adhere to strict time limits for both candidates and questioners.
“Our all-candidates meetings are not rallies, they are an exchange of information so people can find out about the candidates and make informed decisions when they vote,” said Wachs.
Berkey’s Corner Collective will also host an all-candidates meeting on Saturday, March 29. Starting at 2 p.m. and scheduled to go until 4 p.m., this event will be held at the Duncan Curling Club, 3191 Sherman Rd.
Both events will provide community members with a chance to hear from the candidates, learn about their platforms and engage in a meaningful dialogue ahead of the election.
Advance voting for the municipal byelection takes place April 2 and 8, with general voting on April 12.
North Cowichan councillor Debra Toporowski announced that she was stepping down from her municipal role after successfully running for MLA in Cowichan Valley.
