Regina Mayor-elect Chad Bachynski was a victim of a lack of experience early in his first term.

Of the 10 councilors elected Wednesday in Regina’s municipal election, only two bring with them previous council experience.

“Regina was looking for change,” Bachynski told CTV News after her election victory. “They wanted to take a different direction and look at new ideas. »

Only incumbent councilors Shanon Zachidniak (Ward 8) and Jason Mancinelli (Ward 9) were victorious when the results became official Thursday.

Incumbent Councilor Bob Hawkins (Ward 2), who was seeking a fourth term on council, and one-term Councilor Terina Nelson (Ward 7) were defeated in their respective wards.

Six others chose not to run again.

“The people who come in have different perspectives and we bring a different experience,” Bachynski said. “I’m excited to get to know the board and start building the team and look forward to seeing what we can do together.”

A steep learning curve

Staff turnover at Henry Baker Hall is nothing new for Regina city council.

In fact, 2024 was the second election in a row that residents voted for mayor for the first time after Sandra Masters in 2020.

The 2020 election also saw five councilors elected for the first time.

Former Regina Mayor Michael Fougere attributed the major change to residents’ frustration over the past four years.

“They’re a little angry about what’s been happening at council for four years,” he said. “A lot of dysfunction and a lot of things happening that they’re not happy about.”

“It was sort of a protest vote where (residents) looked at the incumbents and said, ‘Well, you’re not exactly what we’re looking for,’” Fougère added.

Fougère spent more than two decades on council, including three terms as mayor.

He believes the learning curve can be difficult for some new mayors and councillors.

“The learning curve is considerable, and Chad’s is monumental,” commented Fougère. “There is a lot of work and detail (to be a municipal councilor).”

City Clerk Jim Nicol says he has planned an orientation that all council members can participate in, whether new or re-elected.

“All candidates were given an overview of what to expect immediately following a positive result,” he told reporters when the official results were released on Thursday. “And it’s a big job.”

While the mayor and council officials will be sworn in on Nov. 18, the two weeks leading up to their first executive committee meeting in December will be used to train members on their daily roles.

“The first week will focus on governance and procedural issues so they understand their roles, legal authorities, etc.,” Nicol said. “The second largely falls to the city manager’s office to provide (them) with much more administrative and financial detail.”

Ward 7 outgoing. Nelson, who served one term, had some advice for those making their first appearance around the horseshoe.

“There’s a lot of information,” she told CTV News. “But learn your processes, learn how to chair meetings, all those things.”

“(The last iteration of the council) never received this information, we went in absolutely blind. I’m encouraged that the new board gets these things,” Nelson added.

Fougère also gave some advice to the newly elected mayor Bachynski.

“Talk to other council members immediately,” he said. “Get to know who is there. So get to work.

“It’s about building a city together, building a team and working together,” Fougère added.

New councilors Shobna Radons (Ward 7) and Victoria Flores (Ward 6) both understand the wave of learning they are about to undertake over the next two weeks and are ready to take on the challenge.

“I’m ready to go,” Radons said excitedly. “I’m ready for the next steps and seeing where we go from here. All the ins and outs of our city and all the important people I’ll meet.

“I’m excited about everything we’re going to learn, but also about all the positive changes we can make with this council and seeing our community continue to grow,” Flores said.