Wave of Acclamations Defines Alberta’s 2025 Municipal Elections

As nomination day closed for Alberta’s 2025 municipal elections, many towns and small cities learned they will not be casting ballots for mayor.

At least 21 communities have seen their top job filled by acclamation after a single candidate stepped forward by the deadline.

In Edson, Kevin Zahara will continue as mayor, while Jasper’s Richard Ireland and Stony Plain’s William Choy were also returned without challenge.

Francesca (Frankie) Ward in Slave Lake, Elisa Brosseau in Bonnyville, and Tim MacPhee in Vegreville will likewise stay in office, as will Brent Feyter in Fort Macleod, Gordon Reynolds in Bow Island, Byrne Cook in Magrath, Rick Pankiw in Rimbey, Kelly Peterson in Wembley, Simon Boersma in Morinville, and Kate Potter in Sexsmith.

Several towns will see councillors step into the mayor’s chair unopposed. Stacey Messner, formerly deputy mayor of Grimshaw, becomes mayor-elect. In Pincher Creek, Wayne Oliver advances from councillor to mayor, while Brendan Kelly, also a councillor, takes the helm in Diamond Valley. Paula Brown in Cardston and Dennis L. Hazelton in Three Hills both move up from council as well.

Chestermere’s Shannon Dean and Banff’s Corrie DiManno have been acclaimed for another term, continuing leadership in two of Alberta’s fastest-growing and highest-profile communities.

The high number of uncontested mayoral races underscores both the stability of local leadership and the challenges of attracting new candidates. The full scope of acclamations will become clearer as municipal websites continue to post results.

This story is developing...