The Municipality of Callander is set to have a new mayor after council voted Tuesday to elevate Deputy Mayor Jordy Carr to the role, replacing Robb Noon. The appointment requires a by-law to be passed before it becomes official. The move follows the abrupt mid-December resignations of Noon and Councillor Irene Smit, which left two vacant seats on the five-person council. Town officials have consistently declined to specify the reasons for the departures. Integrity commissioner investigation underway Carr, who has served as acting head of council since the resignations, has previously said the matter is under independent review. “I want to acknowledge the significant public interest following the recent resignations (and) I understand that people are looking for clarity,” she said at a meeting on Jan. 14. “An independent integrity commissioner process is underway and out of respect for that process and our legal obligations, council is not able to comment further.” Council seeks to fill vacancies by application The remaining three council members also voted to fill the two vacant seats through an application process. They are asking anyone with previous council experience to consider stepping forward, with the next municipal election scheduled for October. Speaking on Carr’s behalf at Tuesday’s meeting, Municipal clerk/Treasurer Cindy Pigeau relayed the deputy mayor’s message to council. “I’m asking for your support because I believe we can work together respectfully and constructively to guide Callander forward during this transition – I value each of your perspectives and I’m committed to collaborative leadership,” she said. Noon had been mayor since 2020. Carr has previously assured residents that municipal operations continue uninterrupted despite the upheaval.
