Prince Albert's new council was sworn in on Monday, Nov. 18. Left to right are: Darren Solomon, Troy Parenteau, Blake Edwards, Bryce Laewetz, Dawn Kilmer,  Mayor Bill Powalinsky, Stephen Ring,Tony Head, Daniel Brown. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Swearing in

New council sworn in to large crowd of witnesses

Nov 18, 2024 | 9:08 PM

Prince Albert’s city hall was filled on Monday night as family, friends, previous councillors and members of the public came out to watch the new mayor and council be sworn in.

Following the marching in of newly elected mayor, Bill Powalinsky, Chief Justice Martel Popescul of the Court of King’s Bench first swore in Powalinsky, who then swore in the council.

“It’s still pretty surreal but, you know, I think the reality is pretty thrilling and I’m very happy with the council, the team we have and really looking forward to the next four years,” Powalinsky said.

The new council is very new, with Blake Edwards now the longest serving councillor at eight years. Three incumbents, Tony Head, Dawn Kilmer and Darren Solomon make up the remaining veterans.

Of those, Solomon is the newest councillor having served about one year after his first win in a by-election and now being acclaimed for his first full term.

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His own newness along with working with Troy Parenteau, Daniel Brown, Bryce Laewetz and Stephen Ring does not worry Powalinsky too much.

“I think it’s opportunity and usually with challenge comes an opportunity. I think the strength of this council is certainly going to be a diversity of opinions and experiences and I feel that that’s really going to serve the citizens of Prince Albert very well,” he said.

Newly sworn in, Mayor Bill Powalinsky led a very brief first council meeting. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

Following the swearing in ceremony, council had a very quick meeting where they accepted the results of the Nov. 13 election and appointed the list of deputy mayors for the next year.

The quick meetings will not last as one of the first things council will face next is passing the 2025 budget.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com