Office of the Aldermen

City Council - A brief history

There have been various changes over the years to the structure of Calgary City Council and to the election process.

Mayoralty contests, for example, were held annually from 1884 to 1923. Calgary mayors began serving a two-year term following a plebiscite in 1923. In 1968, the Municipal Government Act increased the term of office for mayors to three years.

The number of aldermen and the method of their selection has also changed over the years. From 1884 to 1886, four councillors were selected from the town at large. The term of office for an alderman was three years.

The number of councillors had increased in 1894, when Calgary was divided into three wards. Three aldermen, as they were to be called, represented each ward.

In 1906, a fourth ward was created, bringing the total number of aldermen to 12. The ward system was dismantled from 1914 to 1960, when aldermen were elected from across the city for two-year terms. The ward system was re-established in 1960 following a plebiscite. Six wards were established in October of 1960, each represented by two aldermen. In 1976, the number of wards expanded to 14, with one alderman per ward, as it is today.

To Contact your Alderman

Mailing Address

The City of Calgary
Aldermanic Offices (8001)
P.O. Box 2100, Station M
Calgary AB T2P 2M5
Canada

Courier Address

The City of Calgary
Aldermanic Offices (8001)
700 Macleod Trail South
Calgary AB T2G 2M3

Phone and Fax Numbers

Phone No.: 403-268-2430
Fax No.: 403-268-8091 or 403-268-3823