Charlie Clark unseats Don Atchison in race for Saskatoon mayor

Charlie Clark will be trading seats at Saskatoon city hall.

The former Ward 6 councillor has unseated incumbent Don Atchison in a close race to become the next mayor of Saskatoon.

With all polls reporting, Clark received 41 per cent of the vote. Atchison had 37 per cent of the vote, followed by Kelley Moore with 22 per cent.

FULL COVERAGE: Saskatoon civic election

Clark said it’s an exciting time for change in the city.

“We had a civic election that is going to be very memorable for Saskatoon, Clark said at city hall following his victory.

“The city is talking about the future and I’m excited to be in the role of mayor to work with this whole community to bring the next steps forward for what we can become as a city.”

WATCH BELOW: Charlie Clark, the new mayor of Saskatoon, discusses his priorities for the city

7:46 Saskatoon mayor-elect Charlie Clark

Saying the voters have spoken, Atchison congratulated Clark on his victory.

“I think that he certainly has his views and agenda he’d like to carry forward so I think he should have that opportunity,“ Atchison said.

Atchison added that what he will miss most about not being mayor are the people.

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Clark, who was originally elected to represent Ward 6 a decade ago, thanked Atchison for his years of service to the city.

“No one can question his commitment to this city,” Clark said.

“He has worked very hard and there’s lots of thing he can be proud of as his legacy for Saskatoon. I think he needs to be, and will be remembered as a mayor who helped to change the shape of this city.”

Moore said the result was not what she wanted but also called the campaign the most incredible experience of her life.

WATCH BELOW: Kelley Moore looks back on the campaign and what the future holds for her

7:29 Defeated Saskatoon mayoral candidate Kelley Moore

She added that the people of Saskatoon wanted change and said the new mayor and council have a lot of work ahead of them.

“People were looking for change and I think they chose to go with someone that they knew,” Moore stated.

“I think we have made a difference, we certainly set the bar higher, so (council is) going to have to rise themselves up to address things whether its debt, taxes or sustainable development.”

Atchison had been the longest serving mayor in Saskatoon history, first being elected to the position on Oct. 22, 2003. He was Ward 10 councillor for three terms prior to being elected mayor.