After over a year of transition, Tsiigehtchic has finally claimed the hamlet status voters have sought.
The official transition occurred on July 1, Canada Day.
"The status change results in two distinct and separate government structures: a hamlet council and a band council," said Municipal and Community Affairs director of corporate affairs Jennifer Young. "As a hamlet, the authority and operations of the community government are more easily defined and separated, and all residents who are eligible to vote are able to vote and/or run for mayor and councillor positions."
Voters in Tsiigehtchic were overwhelmingly in support of the change, with 76 per cent of those who cast a ballot supporting the change in a referendum held May 23, 2023.
Tsiigehtchic will now host its first general election for mayor and council on Dec. 9, 2024, as part of the general municipal elections happening this fall. The election will be for a two-year term and there will be eight council sets up for grabs.
Until the election is settled, the community will continue to be led by the transition team with Grant Scott serving as administer. He will oversee the operations of the community until the council to be elected takes oath on Jan. 6, 2025.