Residents of the town of Victoria are going to the polls today to choose a new town council.

Citing council’s inability to function effectively, the provincial government dismissed the entire council late last year and brought in an administrator to conduct town business.

Sixteen candidates are on the ballot for seven council positions, from which a mayor will be chosen.

Residents can cast their votes at the Victoria Community Centre today from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Salmon Cove, the town council has doubled in size – from one to two.

The mayor and three town councilors resigned in April citing difficulties in negotiating union issues. The lone remaining councilor Scott Butt was given the authority to run the town in the interim.

He’s now been joined by Melvin Swain, the lone person to offer themselves in a by-election.