Following the resignation of Karen Sorensen as chief elected official on July 28, Banff Town Council has elected councillor and current deputy mayor Corrie DiManno to the position of mayor.
“I am humbled and honoured by council’s support in appointing me to this important position, and I am committed to upholding the dedication to our community and tireless work ethic of outgoing mayor and new Senator Sorensen,” said DiManno.
Sorensen had resigned as mayor after being notified of her appointment to the Senate of Canada, which was officially announced on July 29. Alberta’s Municipal Government Act (MGA) does not allow Canadian Senators to continue sitting as elected municipal officers. (See news release for more information.) The MGA also requires council to fill the vacant mayor position by holding a byelection or appointing a mayor until the October 18 election.
In its first meeting following Sorensen’s departure, Banff Town Council chose to appoint a mayor to sit until October 18, deciding through a secret ballot of councillors.
“These are big shoes to fill,” said DiManno. “As a council, I am very proud of our achievements since 2017, thanks to the thoughtful debate we have had on critical issues. I aim to keep us on track with the priorities set by council for the remaining two months of this term, while maintaining our focus on listening to the diversity of voices in our community and working to improve the quality of life for the people of Banff.”
DiManno was first elected to Banff Town Council in October 2013 and was re-elected in the 2017 ballot. DiManno is a former journalist and current communications professional who will be taking a leave of absence from Roam Public Transit during her term as mayor.