Watson Lake elects Chris Irvin as new mayor

Watson Lake residents have elected a new mayor.

Chris Irvin won the by-election Thursday with 154 out of 357 votes, according to the town's chief administrative officer.

Irvin,who is the current deputy mayor, defeated three other candidates in the race.Jerry Bruce received 92 votes. Brenda Leach received 62 votes, and former mayor Justin Brown got 49 votes.

The by-election was called when MayorCheryl O'Brienresigned in August, after she was charged with defrauding a local business.

Irvinwas born and raised in Watson Lake, and has served on council for five years. He previously toldCBCthat fiscal responsibility and communication were key issues council was working on.

Irvin said he's "very excited" to be elected.

"I'm very thankful and I appreciate the opportunity," he told CBC's Yukon Morning on Friday.

Council, he says, has been "working hard"and"keeping people informed."

He said council now includes a mayor and three councillors.

Irvinsaid they are working with the Liard First Nation government.

He also saidcouncil will continue to work on the zoning bylaw.

Irvin said council does all its meetings over Zoom video conferencing due tothe COVID-19 pandemic, and up to 15 people watch every time more than when they meet in person.