The newly sworn in mayor and councillors of the City of Lethbridge. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

New era begins as Lethbridge City Council officially sworn in

Oct 25, 2021 | 4:12 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A mixture of new and returning faces hit the stage Monday afternoon as the newest Lethbridge City Council has been made official.

The swearing in ceremony at the Yates Memorial Theatre saw Blaine Hyggen sworn in as the 26th mayor of Lethbridge.

Incumbents Ryan Parker, Belinda Crowson, Jeff Carlson, and Mark Cambell will be welcomed back to council chambers, while Rajko Dodic returns after a two-term hiatus.

Jenn Schmidt-Rempel, Nick Paladino, and John Middleton-Hope have officially begun their first terms as city councillors.

Mayor Hyggen took to the podium to issue his inaugural address.

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“…I’d also like to thank the individuals who ran but were unsuccessful – you truly stood up for what you believed in and I thank you and Lethbridge thank you. To my colleagues, I’d like to acknowledge the hard work and commitment it takes to earn a spot on city council’s table and I’d like to congratulate all of you on securing a seat.”

“Together, let’s represent citizens’ voices, their hopes and dreams, and work with their best interests at heart. Together, let’s see a diversity of experiences, knowledge, and perspectives as strengths. Together, let’s work to ensure Lethbridge is an even better place in four years than it is today.”

Following the ceremony, Hyggen told media that community safety will be on the top of his mind when he and his councillors get together for organizational meetings, as will taxation and transit.

He wants to use those meetings as an opportunity to have all elected members bring forth their priorities and to put together a plan.

For council newcomer Jenn Schmidt-Rempel, she said the last week has been a whirlwind and that she is excited to get to work. Being part of a ceremony like this was unlike anything she could have expected.

“It’s a very humbling experience. I’m still reeling a little bit for the citizens of Lethbridge for electing me. I’m so honoured that they’ve put their trust in me to become one of the leaders of our community.”

Schmidt-Rempel was seen holding a book throughout the ceremony. She said it was the same bible that her late father was sworn in on when he became a Canadian citizen in 1973 after moving from Germany.

The event also saw performances from local country music star Trevor Panczak as well as the Nikkei Cultural Society of Lethbridge and Area Dancers.

Middle school student Alana Janse Van Rensburg got to read her poem, “Why I Love Lethbridge,” on stage, while Kainai Elder Mike Bruised Head gave a Neighbour-to-Nation Greeting.

Starting on Tuesday, October 26, council will begin their month-long orientation process. The first official city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 16.