New mayors for Fort McPherson, Fort Providence in N.W.T. municipal elections

Two N.W.T. communities have new mayors after elections in six municipalities Monday, while three mayors managed to survive re-election bids.

Elections for mayor and councillorstook place in Fort McPherson, Fort Providence, Fort Resolution, Paulatuk, SachsHarbour, and Ulukhaktokon Monday.

In Fort McPherson, residents also voted to lift beer and wine restrictions in a plebiscite.

Council candidates in Aklavik, Enterprise, and Tuktoyaktukwere acclaimed.

• Take a look at who ran, and who was acclaimed

Fort McPherson

William Koewas elected mayor of Fort McPherson with 133 votes to 97 for Vasilios (Bill) Prodromidis. Incumbent mayor Elizabeth Vittrekwa did not seek re-election.

Eight councillors were elected in the hamlet: AshtynMcLeod, ShayleneBlake, Joyce M. Blake, Sierra Daley, Ruby McDonald, Dennis Wright, Robert Greenland, and Lawrence Firth.

Fort McPherson residents also voted 165 'yes' to 65 'no' on a liquor plebsicite.

Voters were asked if they support removing "all liquor restrictions relating to beer and wine within the boundaries of Fort McPherson," as well as adding a provision allowing "a person authorized by the Fort McPherson hamlet council to bring into the restricted area a quantity of spirits in excess of the prescribed maximum for weddings, community events or special occasions."

The hamlet must now make an application to the territorial government to lift the restrictions, and it must be approved in the territory's legislative assembly.

• 15 months later: What's happened since Behchoko lifted its alcohol ban?

Fort Providence

In Fort Providence, Danny Beaulieuunseated former mayor Sam Gargan, who was seeking re-election. Beaulieureceived 162 votes to Gargan's79.

Ronald Bonnetrouge, Linda Croft, James Ben Bonnetrouge, and Shirley Gargan were elected to council.

Fort Resolution

In Fort Resolution, councillorsBrandie Miersch and Angela McKaywere re-elected, while Elizabeth Ann McKay was elected to round out the three-person council.

Paulatuk

Paulatukmayor Ray Ruben Sr. was re-elected on Monday, receiving 63 votes to 41 for challenger Angus Green.

Donna Ruben, Kelly Ruben, Michael Green, and Millie Thrasher were elected to council.

SachsHarbour

In Sachs Harbour, Floyd Lenniewas re-elected as mayor, receiving 27 votes to challenger Norman Anikina's 11.

Anikinawas acclaimed to council, along with MariahLucas and Kyle Wolki.

Ulukhaktok

Mayor Laverna Klengenberg was re-elected, defeating challenger Jack Akhiatak106 votes to 24.

Annie Goose, Margaret Kanayok, Sadie Joss, and David Kuptanawere elected to council. Kuptana received just a single vote more than challenger Danny Gallant.