The provincial government has appointed an advisor to work with Village of McBride council.
Isabell Hadford, a former municipal chief administrative officer with 25 years' experience in smaller, rural communities, had taken on the role, the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development said in a statement issued Thursday.
Hadford "will work with McBride municipal staff, council and the community to stabilize short-term municipal operations and help support long-term confidence in the municipality," the ministry said. "The advisor will report directly to the inspector of municipalities."
The council for the community of 577 people 220 kilometres east of Prince George was thrown into crisis in November when three councillors resigned, leaving the body without a quorum.
By the end of that month, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender had signed a ministerial order to allow the remaining two members of council to constitute a quorum until the vacancies are filled through a by-election.
Council is expected to meet on Monday to appoint the chief election officer. The date for a by-election must fall on a Saturday no later than 80 days after that step is taken.
Staff from the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George with experience administering elections have indicated they are available help, the ministry said.
"The inspector of municipalities met with the remaining McBride council members and staff to discuss the role of the advisor and emphasize expectations for the two-member council while they act in their limited capacity," the ministry also said in the statement.
