Banff council elects Corrie DiManno mayor as Karen Sorensen departs for Senate

Banff's town council has elected a new mayor to serve until the fall municipal election, following the previous mayor's appointment to Canada's Senate. 

Corrie DiManno, previously deputy mayor, was elected to the top role on Monday through a secret ballot, voted in by sitting councillors.

Outgoing mayor Karen Sorensen had officially tendered her resignation, following her appointment to Canada's Senate in July.

Alberta's Municipal Government Act doesn't allow Senators to sit as elected municipal officials, and the Act also requires council to fill a vacant position through a byelection or appointment in advance of the Oct. 18 municipal election. 

"These are big shoes to fill," said DiManno in a release. 

"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 said she has yet to decide if she'll vie for re-election on Oct. 18.

Sorensen served on Banff council for 17 years, six as councillor and 11 as mayor.

DiManno said Sorensen's strength as mayor brought the mountain town through adversity like fire, flood and the pandemic. 

"Her legacy is all around us, whether it's built infrastructure or stronger relationships … simply put, Banff is a better place because of her love for it," DiManno told council during Monday's meeting.

Sorensen said while she's looking forward to her new role in Ottawa, "Banff is home and will always have my heart."

DiManno, a former journalist, will be taking a leave of absence from her role as communications director for Roam Public Transit, which serves Banff, Canmore and Banff National Park, during her term as mayor.