Who is the Mayor of Edmonton? Key Figures Who Shaped the City

The Mayor of Edmonton today is Andrew Knack, who became the city’s 37th mayor in October 2025. He succeeded former mayor Amarjeet Sohi, who held the role from 2021 to 2025. Edmonton’s history includes a long line of mayors who influenced the city’s development, and this guide explores the leaders who continue to shape its direction.

As the city grows, Edmonton’s leadership plays a key role not only in major infrastructure and policy decisions but also in supporting community well-being. This includes working with provincial partners on issues that affect public health and safety, such as housing, social services, and the impacts of gambling across the region. These broader responsibilities help set the stage for how Edmonton approaches responsible play and supports residents who may be vulnerable to gambling-related harms.

Who Leads Edmonton Today? Current Mayor Profile

Andrew Knack became Edmonton’s 37th mayor on October 29, 2025. A long-time west-end resident, he is known for his practical approach to everyday city issues and his emphasis on listening to residents. His route to the mayor’s office reflects steady community involvement, years of council experience and a strong focus on transparent decision-making.

Roots and Community Involvement

Knack was born in Edmonton and grew up in Spruce Grove before moving back to the city in 2002. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Alberta, he worked in retail management, including managing an electronics store in West Edmonton Mall. Alongside his work, he volunteered with the Meadowlark and Jasper Park community leagues, which helped shape his understanding of how neighbourhood-level concerns influence broader city policies.

Twelve Years on Council

Knack first won a council seat in 2013 after two earlier attempts. He represented Ward 1 until 2021, and then the renamed Ward Nakota Isga from 2021 to 2025. During this time, he developed a reputation for:

• Detailed public engagement – often hosting open discussions and answering residents’ questions directly
• Data-informed decisions on transportation, land use and city operations
• Focus on accessibility and inclusion, supported by his work on committees such as the Accessibility Advisory Committee and Edmonton Transit System Advisory Board
• Advocacy for major community projects, including the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre and Library

These contributions helped shape the west end’s development during a period of rapid growth and shifting urban priorities.

Path to the Mayor’s Office

In 2024, Knack announced he would not run again as councillor, but later entered the 2025 mayoral race as an independent candidate. His campaign emphasized affordability, reliable municipal services, and a more cooperative tone at City Hall. He won the mayoral election on October 20, 2025, with just under 38% of the vote, in an election where most incumbent councillors were re-elected.

Focus Areas as Mayor

Since taking office, Knack has highlighted several themes that guide his work:

• Affordability and municipal finances – addressing cost pressures faced by residents while keeping long-term infrastructure funded
• Housing and homelessness – working alongside the province and community partners on shelter capacity, supportive housing and encampment response
• Public safety – strengthening collaboration between the City, Edmonton Police Service and social agencies
• City-building and infrastructure – keeping LRT expansion, recreation centres and major road projects progressing
• Community engagement – maintaining an open-door approach and encouraging constructive dialogue across diverse viewpoints

Knack’s leadership style emphasizes optimism, steady problem-solving and a focus on practical improvements that affect residents’ daily lives.

Former Mayor: Amarjeet Sohi (2021–2025)

Amarjeet Sohi’s story is one of perseverance and adaptation. Born in Punjab, India, Sohi immigrated to Canada in 1981 at the age of 18. Like many newcomers, he faced initial challenges adapting to life in Edmonton. Determined to succeed, Sohi took ESL classes and worked various jobs, including as a taxi driver and bus driver for Edmonton Transit Service (ETS). His experience with ETS gave him insight into issues like ETS fares and the importance of public transportation in the city.

His early years in Edmonton were marked by community involvement. Sohi joined a local Punjabi literary society and became active in a Punjabi theatre group, showcasing his commitment to cultural preservation and community building.

Vision and Initiatives

As mayor of Edmonton from 2021 to 2025, Sohi focused on:

1. Promoting inclusivity and tackling racism
2. Supporting vulnerable populations
3. Enhancing public transportation, including reviewing ETS fares
4. Collaborating with the provincial government on issues like homelessness and mental health support
5. Overseeing major infrastructure projects, such as the Connors Road construction in Edmonton

2021 Edmonton Municipal Election: Key Details

The 2021 Edmonton municipal election, held on October 18, marked a significant shift in the city’s leadership. With a voter turnout of 37.6%, the election engaged a substantial portion of Edmonton’s population. The election also saw changes to the Edmonton ward map, which affected how residents were represented on the city council.

Candidates engaged in public debates, presenting their visions for Edmonton’s future. The campaigns highlighted the diversity of perspectives on how to address the city’s challenges.

Mike Nickel: From Councillor to Mayoral Candidate

Mike Nickel, a former city councillor, played a significant role in Edmonton’s municipal politics before the 2021 election. Many residents are familiar with Mike Nickel Edmonton due to his long-standing presence in city politics. His political career includes:

• Election to Edmonton City Council in 2004 (Ward 5), where he became well-acquainted with the Edmonton ward 5 map
• Re-election in 2013 and 2017 (Ward 11)
• Unsuccessful mayoral bids in 1998, 2001, and 2021

As a councillor, Nickel built a reputation for opposing tax increases and advocating for business-friendly policies. His time on the council was marked by a focus on fiscal responsibility and efficiency in city operations. Nickel’s approach often put him at odds with other councillors on issues such as ETS fares and major infrastructure projects.

Edmonton’s Mayors Through the Years

Edmonton’s mayoral history begins with its incorporation as a town in 1892. The role has evolved significantly as Edmonton grew from a frontier town to a major Canadian city, with mayors overseeing increasingly complex issues from transportation to urban development.

Here’s a snapshot of Edmonton’s mayoral history:

Each mayor has left a unique mark on Edmonton’s development, reflecting the changing needs and values of the city over time. From early infrastructure projects to modern challenges like the Connors Road construction in Edmonton, mayors have played a crucial role in shaping the city’s landscape.

Edmonton’s Leadership: Past, Present, and Future

Edmonton’s mayoral history reflects the city’s evolution from a frontier town to a major Canadian centre. The 2021 election, which brought Sohi into office, marked a period focused on inclusion and recovery, while the 2026 election and the arrival of Andrew Knack signal renewed attention to affordability, stability and long-term planning.

Engaged citizenship remains crucial as Edmonton faces new challenges. From ETS fares to major construction projects, the mayor and council’s decisions impact daily life. Staying informed about local ward maps and city initiatives empowers residents to actively shape their communities.