Skip to content

Former town councillor Dave McKenzie is Barrhead's new mayor

The people have spoken. After a four-week election campaign the Barrhead area voters had the chance to decide on who lead them for the next four years in the Oct.

The people have spoken.

After a four-week election campaign the Barrhead area voters had the chance to decide on who lead them for the next four years in the Oct. 16 Municipal Election

In the race for Town of Barrhead mayor former RCMP constable and town councillor Dave McKenzie defeated challenger Mark Vriend by almost a two-to-one ratio 1,025 votes to 531.

Councillor Shelley Oswald was the top vote getter with 1,089 followed by Ty Assaf, 1,068, Dausen Kluin, 1,035, Don Smith 1,005, Rod Klumph 974, and Leslie Penny 870. Gregory Semenchuck found himself on the outside of council with 652 votes.

McKenzie said his first reaction after finding out his bid to become mayor was one of relief.

“The campaign was very involved and it is just nice to know that part is over with. Campaigning definitely takes up a lot of time and the first thing I think I'm going to do is take a day or two to rest and let it all sink in,” he said, shortly after receiving the results.

After that McKenzie said he hopes to meet with the town's administration staff in an effort to get acclimatized, noting he doesn't have a lot of time. McKenzie will chair his first town council meeting, Oct. 24.

McKenzie added he is excited to be able to get a chance to work with his fellow council colleagues.

“I think the community has put together a really good team with the council they have selected,” he said. “And I look forward to working with them for the next four years and trying to make Barrhead the best it can be.”

County of Barrhead residents in Division 4 showed their continued faith in Coun. Bill Lane.

Results from the Summerdale Community Hall polling station show that Lane received approximately 70 per cent of the 355 votes cast.

His opponent, Ronald Barton garnered 30 per cent of the vote, with the final tally being 105.

When the Barrhead Leader called Lane for his comments, he said was happy with the results.

“I really appreciate the support I got and I look forward to working with a good council, including new councillor Walter Preugschas. I am also looking forward to working with our CAO, Debbie Oyarzun, for another four years,” Lane said, noting wants his constituents to continue to bring their concerns to him.

Lane said he looks forward to continuing to work hard for the division and the county.

When asked how he planned to celebrate his win, Lane said he was not sure.

“I didn't want to get cocky so I didn't really plan anything. We'll probably do something small down the road but at the moment, I don't know,” he added.

In Lac Ste. Anne County (LSAC), residents will see a few faces return to the council chambers when it next convenes Oct. 26.

Coun. Lorne Olsvik of Division 1 is in by acclamation and incumbent Lloyd Giebelhaus retains his seat in Division 7 with 68 per cent of the vote, or 338 of the 496 votes cast.

In addition, incumbent Ross Bohnet retains his seat in Division 6, defeating Terry Nelson by a narrow 57-vote margin.

However, residents of the remaining divisions voted incumbents Bob Clark and Wayne Borle out of the chamber and elected Nick Gelych, George Vaughan in for Division 2 and 3. Steve Hoyda and Joe Blakeman were elected to Divisions 4 and 5 which were previously vacant.

Gelych defeated Clark, Fundytus, Hegy and Javorsky and will represent Division 2 for the next four years, receiving 211 total votes out of a total 464 ballots. His nearest competitor, Javorsky received 114.

In Division 3, Borle received 196 votes, while his opponent Vaughan received 245 of the 441 ballots cast. In addition, the battle for Division 4 carried well for Hoyda, who received 275 votes to main contender, Daryl Friessen, who received 165 and Michael Hindes, who took in 38.

Joe Blakeman will represent Division 6 after defeating Leo Blais, Penny Leshenko and Amy Thiessen-Roy. Blakeman received 252 votes to 113, 72 and 3 for Blais, Leshenko and Thiessen-Roy respectively.

Early election results for Division 5, at Gunn Hall, put Joe Blakeman ahead of Blais by two votes but by 9:30 p.m. results from Alberta Beach saw Blakeman surge ahead by a further 182 votes. At 10 p.m., Blakeman was announced with 57 per cent of the vote.

Fort Assiniboine/Timeu Coun. Dale Kluin retained his seat defeating his nearest rival Terry O'Brien by only one vote, 72 to71. Jason Price finished in third with 59 votes.

In another tightly contested contest, Goose Lake/Freeman River Dale McQueen defeated Peter Keulken 94 to 86.

In what many would consider to be an upset, Daniel Pritchard fails in his attempt to be re-elected for this fifth straight term after being defeated by Bruce Prestidge for Blue Ridge councillor. Former Living Waters Catholic Schools trustee Irene Sawyer finished in third place receiving three votes.

In Whitecourt Central Ron Govenlock retained his seat with 124 votes defeating former councillor Alan Deane, 101, and Whitecourt crime prevention co-ordinator Tina Prodaniuk.

In Whitecourt West political newcomer John Burrows defeated incumbent councillor Chad Merrifield by two votes 104 to 102.

Voted in by acclimation was Whitecourt East incumbent Jim Rennie and Anselmo Coun. Sylvia Bonnett.

Results are unofficial until Friday, Oct. 20.

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks