Milton Council Greenlights $200K By-Election to Fill Ward 1 Seat Amid Heated Debate

Milton residents—get ready to see campaign signs popping up once again. At its May 26 meeting, Milton Town Council voted to proceed with a by-election to fill the Ward 1 seat vacated by Kristina Tesser Derksen, who was recently elected as the new MP for Milton East—Halton Hills South. The decision goes against a staff recommendation to appoint a replacement, with the by-election expected to cost taxpayers between $185,000 and $200,000.

Regional Councillor Sameera Ali strongly supported the democratic route, stating:

“The residents of Ward 1 deserve to choose who represents them… That is the best of Milton, and that is the right thing to do.”

Ali was joined by councillors Sammy Ijaz, Sarah Marshall, Colin Best, and Adil Khalqi in voting for the by-election. However, Mayor Gord Krantz, and councillors Rick Malboeuf and John Challinor preferred the more cost-effective appointment process.

Mayor Krantz raised concerns about the financial implications, citing a projected 40% property tax increase by 2026 and suggesting the by-election would likely exceed the $200K estimate:

“Common sense has to dictate sometimes as well… That’s taxpayer’s money.”

Councillor Malboeuf echoed the concerns, questioning the motives of those pushing for a by-election:

“Do we vote for the best interest of the community, or to appease a small group with personal agendas?”

Despite the financial concerns, public interest in the decision was high, with several political figures and residents attending the meeting. Some community members even indicated plans to run in the upcoming by-election.

This will mark the fourth election in Milton since April 2024, making it a politically intense year for local residents. If approved at the next council meeting, candidate nominations will begin in July, with the election likely to be held on October 6.

Councillor Ijaz summed up the public sentiment:

“It is clear the public’s appetite is for a by-election… Decisions about elections belong to the people.”

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