Regina voters have selected Chad Bachynski as the city's next mayor. Bachynski will be Regina's next mayor, after defeating incumbent Sandra Masters, who was vying for a second term. The polls closed on Wednesday at 8 p.m., and Bachynski maintained a strong lead throughout the night. Bachynski captured 31.5 per cent of the vote, with Bresciani recording 24.8 per cent and Masters with 23.1 per cent. The mayor-elect captured 31.5 per cent of the vote, with Bresciani recording 24.8 per cent and Masters with 23.1 per cent.
"Tonight we begin the next phase of our journey together. Our work starts with listening and ensuring that every voice in Regina has a place in shaping our future," Bachynski said during his victory speech at city hall Wednesday evening.
Bachynski, 38, is a manager with SaskEnergy and said during his campaign that this gives him valuable leadership experience. He listed safety and affordability as his "key pillars."
He said he wants city council to unify around a collective vision for Regina. That includes being strategic with infrastructure spending to slow property tax increases.
'I've got energy': Regina's mayor-elect Chad Bachynski speaks for first time after winning election
Bachynski defeated 10 challengers: incumbent Sandra Masters, Lori Bresciani, Melina Bushenlonga, Bevann Fox, Nathaniel Hewton, Kevin Kardash, Bob Pearce, Bill Pratt, Shawn Sparvier and Rod Williams.
The mayor-elect said he is committed to being accessible, transparent and accountable, "so that every resident knows their concerns are heard and acted on."
"Together we will build a safer, more affordable and vibrant Regina. A city that every one of us is proud to call home," Bachynski said.
Masters spoke to reporters following her defeat, saying Regina residents voted for change across the board.
"I think it's indicative of some of the other things we've seen in the city, and just even across America, so to speak," she said.
Masters said she called Bachynski right away to congratulate him. She said his role will not be easy, as the city is facing a lot of challenges. But she said he clearly has a lot of support.
"We've got a lot of work to do at the city, but again, he's an intelligent man so I'm looking forward to watching it," Masters said.
Sandra Masters speaks about defeat after one term as Regina's mayor
On a personal level, Masters said she is at ease.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little relieved in a way. You know, you get a life back."
Outgoing Ward 3 Coun. Andrew Stevens, who did not seek re-election this year, said Bachynski's platforms were more vague than the incumbent's, but that's to be expected from someone new to the municipal race. He said being new likely worked to Bachynski's advantage as voters took to the polls.
"I think probably there's just a general sense of frustration. Incumbents are not the most popular folks at any level," said Stevens, pointing to the provincial and U.S. elections as recent examples.
"Mayor Masters ran on her commitment that she made in 2020, which hasn't really changed," he said. "My sense at the same time is … Lori [Bresciani] ran against Sandra [Masters]. And Chad, it seems, is running for the mayoral position and not against anybody."
Outgoing Ward 5 Coun. John Findura, who did not seek re-election, said this is the first time he's seen that kind of turnout since he's been involved in municipal politics.
"It's good to see that, because that tells me, that tells us, that the residents out there are getting engaged. They need to be engaged. They need to speak their minds. That's important," said Findura.
Historically, voter turnout in Regina has been low, with less than 50 per cent of the population heading to the polls on average. The highest recorded voter turnout was in 1988, with approximately 57 per cent of the population voting in that municipal election. The highest turnout in the last 20 years was in 2006, with 34 per cent of the population voting.
Regina also elected its 10 city councillors, along with seven school board trustees each for the public and separate divisions. Six of the 10 city councillor races did not feature an incumbent, and 53 total candidates ran for council spots.
City council
Public school board trustees
Separate school board trustees
Journalist & Radio Columnist
Laura is a journalist for CBC Saskatchewan. She is also the community reporter for CBC's virtual road trip series Land of Living Stories and host of the arts and culture radio column Queen City Scene Setter, which airs on CBC's The Morning Edition. Laura previously worked for CBC Vancouver. Some of her former work has appeared in the Globe and Mail, NYLON Magazine, VICE Canada and The Tyee. Laura specializes in human interest, arts and health care coverage. She holds a master of journalism degree from the University of British Columbia. Send Laura news tips at [email protected]
With files from Alexander Quon
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