Saint John officially has a new city council. The newly elected group took their oaths Monday night and marked the start of a fresh chapter for local government. According to CBC News, the ceremony introduced a council dominated by new voices ready to get to work for you.

A New Era for Saint John

Mayor Donna Reardon returns for a second term, but she expects this to be her last. She told reporters that getting work done in a single term proves difficult, making a second term necessary. She welcomes the turnover and the new energy it brings to the chamber.

“I think it is nice to have fresh faces here,” Reardon said.

Seven of the ten councillors are completely new to the chamber. Only Reardon, Ward 1 Councillor Greg Norton, and Councillors at large Gary Sullivan and John MacKenzie return from the previous term.

Splitting the Deputy Mayor Role

Reardon introduced a new approach to the deputy mayor position. She split the four year term between two returning councillors. John MacKenzie takes the role for the first two years. Gary Sullivan steps in for the final two years.

Reardon calls this succession planning. She wants to build leadership capacity within the team.

“It is part of giving some of the councillors some better and different experience,” she explained.

What Your New Councillors Plan to Do

The seven new members bring specific goals to City Hall. Ward 1 Councillor Sherri Colwell McCavour ran after pushing back against the Spruce Lake Industrial Park expansion. She plans to prioritize resident voices.

“I decided to run for council because I felt like there needed to be more voices that were actually representing residents,” she said.

Ward 2 Councillor Brian Wyatt wants to build a centrally located city park in the Millidgeville neighbourhood. Councillor at large Gina Hooley aims to boost public engagement and promises to remain approachable to citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the mayor of Saint John?

Donna Reardon is the mayor of Saint John. She just began her second term.

Who is the deputy mayor?

John MacKenzie serves as deputy mayor for the first two years of the term. Gary Sullivan takes over for the final two years.

How many new councillors were elected?

Seven out of the ten city councillors are new to the role.