Leduc debuts new Mayor and Council

LEDUC -- The City of Leduc held its swearing-in ceremony last night for its new Mayor and Council.

This comes after the municipal election on October 20th which saw Leduc residents elect new Mayor Lars Hansen along with a total of six Councillors. Laura Tillack and Bill Hamilton are back at the table after being re-elected, and are joined by new Councillors Jill Spinks, Shawn Raymond, Laura Tillack, and Brett Baynes.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, which saw the newly elected representatives take the oath of office, Mayor Lars Hansen delivered his inaugural address:

"I want to pause and reflect on the past, and the contributions of those who served on Council before us. Their dedication, collaboration, and vision, have helped build a strong foundation for us to continue as we move ahead. Thank you to the members of our outgoing City Council for their leadership and service to the community. Their leadership guided Leduc through times of growth, challenge, and opportunity. Former Mayor Bob Young, City Councillors Beverley Beckett, Glen Finstad, and Ryan Pollard, who are all here tonight, thank you. I also recognize and thank our former Mayors John Jackie and Greg Krischke, and both of those former Mayors are here tonight.

The work of all those who came before us has positioned Leduc for continued success -- and to my fellow Councillors -- it's an honour to sit here with you as we begin this next chapter in Leduc's story. It's up to us to work together, with integrity and purpose, and ensure we leave things even better than we find them today. Each of you has earned the confidence of our residents who trust you to represent them, and work for the greater good of our City. The most effective Councils are those that work as a team. Where debate is respectful, where ideas are challenged constructively, and where we always keep our focus on what's best for the community. I'm confident that together, we will embrace that approach and set that tone from day one.

Finally, before we get started on tonight's agenda, I'd like to acknowledge the renovation work that to Council Chambers that was completed over the summer. The changes not only modernize the room, but improve accessibility and safety for everyone. Thank you to administration for your work on this space. It will enhance the online viewing experience and improve sound quality overall."