After learning the news last week that Councillor Don Mitchell will be stepping aside to be with his ailing wife, Moose Jaw City Council will now be faced with finding someone to fill his seat.

It's a hard task to undertake to replace a spot, and Mayor Fraser Tolmie said it's tough with Councillor Mitchell leaving.

"Him and I don't always see eye to eye but he's the guy that I would go for a pint with after Council meetings and you know have a chat and we try and find common ground - that's what we've been doing in the last two years here on Council is trying to find common ground," Mayor Tolmie said. "You might have a different opinion but I respect the man and you know he's served this city very well."

Councillor Mitchell said he put a lot of thought into stepping down, saying he wants Council to have a chance to hold a by-election to fill his seat for the second half of the four year term. He cited that he decided to step down in order to help his ailing wife.

"I know it's been a strain on him and it's been a strain on the way that he's been able to perform and I think it's admirable for him to say 'I need to take a step back; my family's important to me," Mayor Tolmie expressed. "I know how much he loves this city and he likes to serve in this capacity so it's not an easy decision for him."

Now, at Council on Monday night they will set a by-election date and their nominations Five weeks prior to it. They hope to have someone come in to represent the citizens of Moose Jaw and not have an empty chair.