This strange town is about to elect a new mayor – but no one wants the job

They run BY the office.

A small town in Canada is gearing up for municipal elections in just a few weeks – but there’s a small problem.

Nobody wants to be mayor.

With just 400 residents, the unassuming village of Kyle has until now been famous as the site where the 12,000-year-old remains of a woolly mammoth were discovered during a 1960s road construction project.

But now, it risks becoming known as the city no one wanted to run.

The trouble started when the current president, George Williams, announced his retirement after serving in the position since 2021 – and no local stepped up to take his place.

“It’s a little concerning, but I have faith that someone will step forward,” Kyle Chief Administrative Officer Amber Dashney told CKOM-AM.

Time is running out, however – elections will be held in November. 13, and two attempts to secure a nomination from the reported declining local population have so far been unsuccessful.

But, Dashney explained, the local council — which also has an open seat and no candidate — won’t take the city’s silence for granted.

If no one raises their hand for Hizzoner’s job, a fill-in will be chosen and a special election date will be announced. And then another, if necessary.

“We will continue to call a by-election until we fill the mayor seat and the other council seat as well,” Dashney said.

Kyle is located 45 miles from Swift Current, Saskatchewan’s sixth largest city.

The town has its own mascot, “Wally” the Wooly – 12 ft. cement tribute to the historic find nearby.

Attractions in Kyle include a vintage movie theater dating back to the 1950s that still opens each summer season, an annual beach volleyball tournament, and a soon-to-debut dog park.

Described as “a place where the old meets the new,” Kyle is “taking positive steps to ensure this city remains a viable business location and most importantly a safe place to raise a family for years to come. future”, says the city’s literature.