Eric Gavin, longtime O'Leary councillor, town's new mayor

Longtime O'Leary councillor Eric Gavin was voted the town's new mayor after a byelection Monday.

Gavin won with just a little more than 50 per cent of the vote over two other candidates, Dana Harris and Tasha Maynard.

Gavin says economic development tops his list of priorities.

"I feel good for winning it for sure. I think the biggest priorities … community development seems to be the biggest one. More businesses, maybe more senior housing, low-income housing, things like that there."

He doesn't see amalgamation or regionalization as a priority, at least in the near future.

Gavin, who served for more than 25 years as a community councillor, is the first elected mayor of the town. O'Leary officially upgraded from community to town status in 2014.

Former mayor Stanley MacDonald resigned in March over a land issue.