Central Frontenac Councillor Resigns

Jeff Green | Jun 07, 2023

Craig Middleton, a first time council member on Central Frontenac Council representing Ward 3 (Oso), tendered his resignation from council last week.

According to Central Frontenac Chief Administrative Officer Cathy MacMunn, Middleton’s resignation came into effect on Monday, May 29.

In a subsequent phone interview, Mayor Frances Smith said that Middleton sent a letter by email to the township on that day.

“Basically, what he said was that it turned out that council is not for him,” Smith said.

Middleton has a long history of community involvement. Most recently, he was integrally involved in the installation of a concrete pad for the rink in Sharbot Lake, as part of a large volunteer effort to get the rink built in time for the winter of 2022/23.

Middleton was elected in the municipal election last fall in Oso district, along with another new councillor, Susan Irwin.

Susan Irwin received the most votes in the ward, 413, followed by Middleton with 400, Duncan McGregor finished 3rd with 268 votes, and Bill MacDonald was 4th with 239 votes.

Central Frontenac Council met on Wednesday, May 31, in a previously arranged, special in camera meeting, to discuss items covered by solicitor-client privilege, and at that meeting they also accepted Middleton’s resignation, and discussed how to fill his position.

The municipal act provides for a number of options to fill a council vacancy, including an election.

Mayor Smith said that the cost of a byelection is substantial, and “the residents already went through an election last fall and would not appreciate having another vote.”

CAO Cathy MacMunn prepared a report outlining all of Council’s options, and Council opted for offering the position to the candidate who finished third in Oso District, Duncan McGregor.

MacMunn said that she would call McGregor that very evening, to offer the position and some time to decide if he was willing to serve on council for the next 3.5 years. If he turns down the offer, MacMunn said she will offer up the position to Bill MacDonald, who finished in 4th place.

“What happens if both of them say no,” asked Councillor Nicki Gowdy.

“Then we will have another discussion at council,” said Smith.

Council next meets on June 13, and will be prepared to welcome the new member at that time.

The News reached out to Duncan McGregor via email on Monday to see if he has decided to join council or not, but we had not heard back as of press time on Tuesday.