Cynthia Block makes history as Saskatoon’s first female mayor

In a landslide victory on Wednesday night, Cynthia Block won the mayoral race, making history as Saskatoon’s first female mayor.

It was just before midnight when Mayor elect Cynthia Block walked into Saskatoon City Hall to speak about her election win, and becoming the city’s first female mayor.

“So here I am. I guess I’m the mayor elect,” Block said. “I could not be more proud and grateful for a city that has chosen hope. A city that has chosen vision.”

Block thanked her campaign staff, volunteers, friends and family, and said she had a message for those who did not vote for her.

“You’re gonna make me better. I want us to work – everyone – together,” she said.

Block said she hopes her win is inspiring to other women.

“I want every woman and girl to know that they can lead. And that means in all leadership roles, and in all houses of leadership,” Block said.

Block said her first order of business will be to tackle the city’s homelessness crisis by trying to set up a task force made up of residents and business representatives.

Cynthia Block will be the next mayor of Saskatoon… and the first female in the position

She just just walked into City Hall, says she’s honoured to be elected

She says her first order of business is addressing homelessness in the city @CKOMNews pic.twitter.com/ZmPEnLf3x0

— Mia Holowaychuk (@miaholoway) November 14, 2024

In a previous interview with 650 CKOM, Block outlined her top priorities for her first 100 days in office: homelessness, safety, and business growth. She plans to create a homelessness task force with residents, businesses, and service providers. For safety, she intends to collaborate with police, fire, and transit to enhance patrols and use technology “to connect to real-time safety tools.” Additionally, she said she’ll meet with local business leaders to set clear goals for supporting existing businesses and attracting new investments.

Outgoing Mayor Charlie Clark did not seek re-election this fall. First elected in 2016, Clark defeated four-term incumbent Don Atchison and was re-elected in 2020 by a considerable margin, marking a shift in the city’s leadership.

Five candidates fought for the role, including former mayor Don Atchison, businessman Mike Harder, civic advocate Cary Tarasoff, and former Saskatchewan Party cabinet minister Gordon Wyant.

Block secured the win with 30,412 votes, compared to Wyant’s 20,259, Atchison’s 10,460, Tarasoff’s 6,386 and Harder’s 568.

Who is my city councillor?

While there are four familiar faces on city council, with Bev Dubois (Ward 9) and Zach Jefferies (Ward 10) unopposed and Randy Donauer (Ward 5) and Troy Davies (Ward 5) re-elected, the rest of the council features new names.

Below are the preliminary results as of midnight on Wed., Nov. 13, 2024.

Who are the Catholic school board trustees?

The Saskatoon Catholic School Division has seven trustee positions to help shape education policy and make sure the school division is running smoothly. The trustees listed below were elected Wednesday to oversee the operation of Catholic schools in Saskatoon.

• Diane Boyko (9,159)
• Owen Fortosky (6,884)
• J.R. (Ron) Boechler (5,044)
• Sharon Zakreski-Werbicki (4,879)
• Tim Jelinski (4,684)
• Kate Day (nee McGettigan) (4,262)
• Michelle Christopher (3,735)