Yvon Lapierre returns as Dieppe mayor

Yvon Lapierre has opened up a lead in Dieppe's mayor's race, according to early votes.

Lapierre, who resigned as mayor of Dieppe in 2005 after eight years as mayor, is leading Helene Boudreau and Dave Maltais.

So far, Lapierre has 4,005 votes to Boudreau's 3,438 votes and 1,342 votes for Maltais.

All polls are now reporting in Dieppe.

Lapierres return to politics was not without controversy, however.

The city has a staggering debt load of $93 million, which equates to $4,007 for every citizen.

Lapierre was the subject of an anonymous letter campaign linking the former mayor to the high debt.

Dieppes debt ratio is higher than 20 per cent, which means it had to file a document with the Department of Environment and Local Government outlining how it is going to lower its debt.

Lapierres two rivals, have both distanced themselves from the anonymous letter, but they too have complained about the citys large debt.

Dieppe has had a string of mayors since Lapierre quit politics.

Achille Maillet replaced Lapierre in 2005 but he was defeated by Jean LeBlanc in the 2008 mayoral election. LeBlanc opted not to run again in the 2012 election.