Ila Boehm will soon have her picture alongside the 13 other mayors in Carrot River's history (Aaron Schulze/northeastNOW Staff).

By Aaron Schulze

Year in Review

Year in Review: Carrot River’s first female mayor

Dec 24, 2019 | 2:00 PM

northeastNOW is taking a look back at the biggest and most interesting stories of 2019, as selected by our newsroom:

A sudden resignation on Carrot River’s council led to a first occasion in the town’s 70 year history.

Bob Gagne served as Carrot River’s mayor since 2009 and was on council since 2006. He handed in his resignation letter with a heavy heart to Carrot River administration in November.

“He hoped he would be able to continue on until November 2020 to complete his term. It’s always been his intent to do so,” said Kevin Trew, Carrot River’s town administrator. “Unfortunately, some personal issues have arisen that he cannot complete his term. He wishes that we leave it at personal issues.”

With Gagne’s resignation, Carrot River needed an acting mayor until a by-election was called. Ila Boehm, a councillor for three years, was appointed tot he role by unanimous decision. She said Gagne’s resignation was a surprise to council, but she’s sure he made the best decision for himself.

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“I’m very pleased to be in this position,” Boehm said. “Mayor Gagne left us with a secure path to follow forward and I don’t foresee any trouble in the near future. This is a very cohesive council. We work well together and I’m leaning very strongly on the opinions of my fellow council to get us through this time.”

Since its inception in 1948, the Town of Carrot River has had 13 mayors – all of them men.

Boehm’s term as acting mayor is considered an official mayoral term, making her the first female in that role.

“It is an honour to be the first female mayor,” Boehm said. “I have to admit it feels pretty good. It’s an honour for me these gentlemen think I can handle this position and they’ve graciously allowed me to try help lead this town in a good direction.”

Boehm said she’s learning towards throwing her hat in to the official mayoral race.

Council has until May 14, 2020 to call the by-election.

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aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow