Yellowknife’s new Mayor and City Council officially began their four-year terms today at the Swearing-in Ceremony held in the Council Chamber at City Hall.
Mayor Elect Melissa Syer took the oath of office, affirming that they would perform the duties entrusted to them by their roles to the best of their abilities.
The new members of the Council, Cody Drygeese, Adrian Bell, Donna Lee Demarcke, Rob Warburton, Steve Payne, Rylund Johnson, Rob Foote, and Keneisha Buddoo also took their oath of office.
The ceremony concluded with the transfer of the Chain of Office from the previous Mayor Ben Hendriksen to Melissa Syer.
Former Mayor Hendriksen addressed the new city administration, advising them to build on the work of the previous Council but to remain flexible to unforeseen changes and challenges.
“Remember that though you were all elected two weeks ago, sharing different ideas and appealing to different Yellowknife voters, at the end of the day every single one of you was elected to represent Yellowknife city wide,” said Hendriksen.
Melissa Syer also spoke following the transfer, saying that her administration would work together and stay focused on building a sustainable future for the city.
“Yellowknife has significant opportunities on the horizon, but just as many pressing issues to address,” said Syer.
This administration’s term will span four years, from today, November 2, 2026, to November 4, 2030.
