Calgary is poised to welcome a diverse city council in the upcoming term, featuring members from various political backgrounds, independents, and a significant number of newcomers. This upcoming council is set to be the least politically experienced in over a century, with voters electing a significant number of first-time councilors in every part of the city.
The recent municipal election saw the defeat of sitting councillors Terry Wong and Kourtney Penner, with 10 fresh faces emerging victorious across different city areas. The desire for change was evident among voters, as some existing council members opted not to seek re-election, possibly due to frustrations with the previous council leadership under now former Mayor Jyoti Gondek.
The incoming council includes individuals from diverse professions, ranging from a constituency aide and a furniture store owner to a lawyer and a junior oil company CEO. Notably, Landon Johnston, who previously led a petition to recall Gondek, will now serve as the councillor for Ward 14.
With Jeromy Farkas as the incoming mayor and four incumbents, the new council will see a significant turnover, with two-thirds of its members being newcomers. This level of change in Calgary’s civic politics has not been witnessed since 1915 during a period of significant transition.
While some councilors aligned with specific parties, the majority of successful candidates, including the mayor, ran as independents. This shift away from party affiliations was well-received by voters, emphasizing the importance of non-partisanship in local governance.
As the new council prepares to be sworn in, they will face immediate challenges, including deliberations on the city budget and property tax rates for the upcoming year. Additionally, discussions around repealing blanket rezoning policies and addressing the city’s growth will be key priorities for the incoming council.
Overall, the diverse composition of Calgary’s new council signals a fresh start and the potential for innovative perspectives and approaches to city governance. The upcoming term is expected to be marked by a learning curve for both new and returning council members as they navigate the responsibilities and challenges of municipal leadership.