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unusual facts about Edmonton municipal election, December 1912



Daniel R. Fraser

Since the electoral system at the time had four aldermen elected to two year terms each year, Fraser's sixth place showing would normally have been insufficient to be elected; however, two of the aldermen elected in 1907 (Robert Lee and Thomas Bellamy) had resigned, allowing Fraser and fifth place finisher Andrew Agar to be elected for one year to serve out their terms.

Edmonton municipal election, 1892

In 1891, the Canadian Pacific Railway's main line, which had passed well south of Edmonton, was extended northward into Strathcona, then known as South Edmonton.

Additionally, in a February 13 editorial the Bulletin reminded the new council that the major purpose of incorporation had been to either construct a railroad bridge across the North Saskatchewan River or, in the event that Canadian Pacific Railway was not amenable to the idea, construct a traffic bridge to lead to the train station in South Edmonton.

Edmonton municipal election, December 1912

Charles Gowan had also been elected to a two year term, but had resigned May 14 and had been replaced in a by-election by Alexander Livingstone, who was also still in office.

Edmonton municipal election, February 1912

In order to keep the staggered electoral system of aldermen in place, five of the aldermen (Henry Douglas, Charles Gowan, John Tipton, John Lundy, and Thomas J. Walsh) were elected to two year terms, and the other five to one year terms.


see also