WEYBURN – Councillor Dick Michel submitted his letter of resignation to City of Weyburn administration, effective March 27, 2023, and a byelection will be called to fill the vacancy on council. Coun. Michel served for seven consecutive terms on Weyburn City Council from 2001 to 2023.
In a statement, Coun. Michel said the decision was not an easy one, but it was made with the support of his family.
“I have served and represented the City of Weyburn with benevolence and highest regard for 23 years. It is with the deepest sadness that I announce my resignation from Weyburn City Council on March 27, 2023. This decision, which is not an easy one to make, was made with the support and encouragement of my family. To them I owe my greatest gratitude. My sincere thanks go out to everyone who connected with me during my time away from Council. You have helped me along this journey, as I say farewell to an appointment I loved so much,” he said in his letter.
“To the community of Weyburn, thank you for having the confidence in me for seven terms. I can no longer represent you and continue what I was so passionate about doing. As a Councillor, I will miss meeting you at the ice rink, chatting on the walking trails, serving on committees and making decisions in Council Chambers. As your neighbour, I look forward to seeing you all again soon,” he said.
The City of Weyburn recognizes Coun. Michel’s departure is a huge loss to the municipality. Coun. Michel approached his appointments with a ‘community first’ outlook and was highly respected by City staff who worked with him throughout the years.
In commenting on the resignation, Mayor Marcel Roy said, “Coun. Michel is a dear friend to many in the community and was a voice of strength throughout his time. We appreciate his years of service and are incredibly saddened to hear of his resignation.”
He served on many City boards and committees over the years, some of which included the Weyburn Police Commission, Airport Board, Facilities Committee/Heritage Advisory, Environmental Committee, the Weyburn Walk of Fame Committee, District Planning Commission and the City of Weyburn/RM of Weyburn Ad Hoc Committee.
Michel served Weyburn and surrounding area on other boards and committees, including serving as a Weyburn Separate School board trustee, and sitting on the Weyburn Agricultural Society, Nickle Lake Regional Park Board, Weyburn Chamber of Commerce, and Weyburn Tourism Committee.
In April, Coun. Michel will receive the Honourary Service Award from the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association in recognition of his more than 20 years of service as an elected official.
A byelection will be called to replace Michel, and a report on the dates and costs will be presented by the City Clerk at Monday night’s city council meeting.
