Saskatchewan mayor stepping down now that 'Queen of Canada' cult is gone | CBC News

When Brad Miller signed up to be the mayor of Richmound, Sask., he never dreamed his tiny southwestern village would be overrun by a cult.

Miller says he's stepping down on Oct. 15 in hopes that the village can start a new chapter. He is about halfway through a four-year term that was set to end in November 2028.

Miller was elected as Richmound's mayor seven years ago. The village of 118 people is roughly 60 kilometres northwest of Maple Creek, near the Alberta border.

But for Miller, it was anything but easy. He said he's also dealt with property fraud, disputes over the seniors centre and navigating the financial impact of the pandemic.

Having cult in town like 'living next to dormant volcano,' says Richmound, Sask., resident

Richmound made national headlines on Sept. 15, 2023, when Romana Didulo, the self-proclaimed "Queen of Canada" and her Kingdom of Canada followers moved into an empty school in the village.

For two years, the group refused to pay utilities, pumped raw sewage into a children's playground and threatened Miller and others with public executions.

Through it all, Miller was public about how the cult affected his town and continually sought help from the government and RCMP.

"This is a first-time situation, and I think they did quite well. It was pretty stressful for that community."

The Saskatchewan Health Authority declared the building "unfit for human habitation" and issued a public health order forcing the eviction of its occupants.

Didulo was charged with failing to comply with an undertaking and intimidating a justice system participant. The Crown stayed her charges last March.

"Well, for the village of Richmound, I feel great that we finally won the war," Miller said. "And I think there's a bright future."