Ignace councillor Kim Baigrie has been promoted to interim Mayor following this week’s bombshell resignation of both its Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
On Monday Bill Gascon announced on social media that both he and Al Zimmer, who were elected during the 2022 municipal election, would be resigning for what they called “irresponsible behaviors of colleagues and administration”.
In a press release issued late Wednesday the township says the interim Mayor will oversee the daily business of Council until a more concrete plan is in place.
“These are unfortunate times for the Township of Ignace, as we have had to make some difficult decisions over the last few weeks in this community about democracy and protection of our employee’s rights.”
Few details are known as to what transpired on council which led to the resignations, however a quote in the release, attributed to councillor John Taddeo indicates several investigations are underway.
“We are committed to ensure that we comply and provide all the necessary information to the appropriate authorities engaged to investigate a variety of matters and issues.”
Those matters and issues are what is believed to have led to the departure of both Gascon and Zimmer.
As a result of the parties involved, which includes staff and council members, the Township will not be able to further discuss any of the specifics around the personnel or issues related to the investigations.
There has been no word from the Township on how it plans to fill the two vacant positions of the five member council.
Press release issued by the Township of Ignace on April 5th 2023