Edmonton Welcomes Four New Councillors in Recent Election

Four new councillors will join the Edmonton City Council following the recent municipal election held on November 6, 2023. The election results were officially confirmed by Edmonton Elections, revealing a mix of incumbents and newcomers set to shape the city’s future.

New Faces on Council

In Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi, transit worker Jon Morgan emerged victorious, defeating former councillor Jennifer Rice. Morgan has nearly 19 years of experience with the Edmonton Transit Service, having served in various capacities, including as an LRT inspector and control room superintendent. His extensive involvement in the community, through roles with the Heritage Point Community League and as a youth soccer coach, has deepened his connection to the residents of southwest Edmonton. “For this area, it’s going to be infrastructure,” Morgan stated, recognizing the significant density in the Heritage Valley and the urgent need for improvement in local amenities.

Morgan’s previous bid for a council seat in 2021 did not succeed, but he has returned with a clear vision. He emphasized the necessity of addressing deteriorating sidewalks and enhancing infrastructure in neighborhoods, particularly those north of Anthony Henday Drive.

Michael Janz, previously a trustee with the Edmonton Public Schools, secured the highest number of votes in the election, garnering 10,620 votes—accounting for 56.87 percent of the 18,675 ballots cast in Ward papastew. Janz is now entering his second term, reflecting strong support from constituents.

Competitive Elections and Voter Engagement

The election saw varying levels of voter engagement across different wards. The west end ward of sipiwiyiniwak, which had no incumbent after Sarah Hamilton chose not to seek re-election, drew significant interest. Thu Parmar emerged as the new councillor-elect after a closely contested race, ultimately receiving 6,667 votes, or 30.36 percent of the 21,962 ballots cast. Parmar has a background in management at Alberta Health and the private sector, most recently serving as the vice-president of the Alberta and N.W.T. chapter of the Canadian Red Cross. During her campaign, she knocked on over 35,000 doors, listening to constituents’ concerns and pledging to enhance transparency and engagement in local governance.

The ward with the lowest turnout was O-day’min, which encompasses downtown and central Edmonton. Incumbent Anne Stevenson was re-elected there with 6,269 votes, representing 50.38 percent of the total.

In pihêsiwin, also in southwest Edmonton, voters selected Michael Elliott, a staff sergeant with the Edmonton Police Service and former union leader, as their representative. Elliott won with 7,984 votes, or 41 percent of the support. He expressed a commitment to strengthening the relationship between city council and the Edmonton Police Service, aiming to improve public safety through collaboration.

In the old west end ward of Nakota Isga, entrepreneur Reed Clarke received the most votes. With an MBA and a history of leadership in various organizations, including Sport Edmonton and the Edmonton Stingers basketball team, Clarke is eager to foster collaboration among council members. He intends to keep an office in his ward to better connect with residents.

The new mayor, Andrew Knack, was elected with 78,519 votes, securing 37.98 percent of the ballots cast for the mayoral position. The election had a total of 679,830 eligible voters, with 205,758 casting their ballots, resulting in a voter turnout of 30.27 percent—the lowest since 2007. Advance voting took place over five days in October, with 41,340 residents participating.

The new city council will be officially sworn in on November 8, 2023, marking a significant transition for governance in Edmonton as these new representatives prepare to address the challenges and opportunities facing their communities.