It will be the most gender balanced city council ever when councillors meet for the first time following the Saskatoon civic election.
Six of the 10 councillors elected are women, three who are making their first foray into city politics and one making a return to council.
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A long-time city councillor was also defeated when Pat Lorje lost her Ward 2 seat to Hilary Gough.
Here’s a rundown of the ward races.
Ward 1
Long-time councillor Darren Hill has been re-elected, capturing about 70 percent of the vote against three challengers.
Hill has represented the area since 2006.
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Ward 2
It was a tight race between the incumbent Pat Lorje and Hilary Gough. In the end Gough was elected by just 139 votes.
It was a bit of an upset for Lorje, who has been the ward councillor for 10 years.
Ward 3
It was a landslide win in Ward 3 for the incumbent, Ann Iwanchuk. She was re-elected with 73 per cent of the vote.
Ward 4
Troy Davies has been re-elected for a second term with over 5,000 votes, beating his out his opponent Tobi Loopkey handily.
Loopkey had just over 1,100 votes.
Ward 5
Incumbent Randy Donauer has once again been elected. He took 68 per cent of the vote, easily defeating challenger Paul Miazga.
Ward 6
It was a close race in ward six. Cynthia Block came out on top with 38 per cent of the vote, compared to 26 per cent for Mark Prebble, her closest opponent.
Block said it’s time for council to get back to basics.
“We need to look after basic infastructure gaps, make sure that we’re adjusting committee safety gaps,” Block said.
“But I also think that a civic leader in the 21st century needs to have a wide-angle lens, to make sure that we are building a smarter, more progressive, more sustainable Saskatoon.”
Ward 7
Mairin Loewen was re-elected in a landslide, nabbing 82 per cent of the vote. Loewen has represented Ward 7 since 2011.
Ward 8
Sarina Gersher beat out Evan Drisner with 65 per cent of the vote.
Gersher said improving infrastructure is one of her goals.
“Improving neighbourhood safety , that also includes our infrastructure, basic services, making sure people can move easily and safely in the city.”
Gersher also said she will support public green spaces.
Ward 9
There was no incumbent in Ward 9 and it was a crowded field with six candidates. Former councillor Bev Dubois has been elected. She was defeated in 2012 in Ward 10, and will now represent Ward 9.
Dubois said her experience was a factor in being elected.
“I’m able to talk about council issues, I’m able to hit the ground running now, I don’t have to learn my way around city hall like I did before and it takes a while to do that.”
Dubois added that her business background was also an asset.
Ward 10
Zach Jeffries was easily elected to a second term, beating the only other person running against him.
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