Southern Alberta Communities Elect Mayors and Town Councils

Published

4 hours ago

21 October, 2025

Municipal elections held on October 16, 2023, in several communities across Southern Alberta resulted in the election of mayors and town councils. The communities of Banff, Coaldale, Coalhurst, and Diamond Valley revealed their unofficial results on the evening of the elections, with official results anticipated by noon on October 24, 2023.

Banff Results

In Banff, Corrie DiManno was elected by acclamation after no candidates filed nomination papers to challenge her. The newly elected councillors include Michelle Backhouse, David Fullerton, Marc Ledwidge, Barb Pelham, Kaylee Ram, and Brian Standish. While these results are unofficial, they mark a significant moment for the community.

Coaldale and Coalhurst Updates

In Coaldale, Jack Van Rijn was unofficially re-elected as mayor, securing 1,176 votes against challenger Henry Doeve, who received 695 votes. The leading candidates for council positions were Jason Beekman with 1,384 votes, Bill Chapman with 1,185 votes, Jacen Abrey at 1,116 votes, Dale Pickering with 1,022 votes, Lisa Reis with 890 votes, and Jordan Sailer at 879 votes.

In Coalhurst, Deb Florence won with 297 votes, surpassing Scott Akkermans who received 199 votes, and Dennis Cassie who garnered 160 votes. The four leading candidates for councillor included Lori Harasem with 459 votes, Colin Slingsby at 440 votes, Brody Prete with 433 votes, and Jesse Potrie receiving 405 votes.

Diamond Valley Election

In Diamond Valley, Brendan Kelly was re-elected as mayor without opposition. The elected councillors for the community are Cindy Holladay, Jonathan Gordon, Hazel Martin, Ashley Brosz, Ted Bain, Colin Fleming, Tom Kirk, Curtis Dixon, and Tarina Ek.

As communities across Southern Alberta finalize their local governance structures, the official results will be confirmed on October 24, 2023, marking the beginning of new leadership in these regions. The outcomes reflect the democratic engagement of residents and set the stage for future initiatives and local governance.