The 2025 municipal election has come and gone, and members of Lethbridge County council have been sworn in.
A swearing-in ceremony was held at the County office in Lethbridge on Friday, October 31, with members now set to serve the region for the next four years.
The 2025-2029 council is as follows:
- Lorne Hickey – Division 1
- Tory Campbell – Division 2
- Mark Sayers – Division 3
- John Kuerbis – Division 4
- Kevin Slomp – Division 5
- Eric Van Essen – Division 6
- Tony Ankermann – Division 7
The ceremony was followed by the council electing a Reeve and Deputy Reeve for the 2025-2026 term. Those positions operate on an annual term.
John Kuerbis and Tory Campbell received the nominations for Reeve, with Kuerbis then declining the nomination, leading Campbell to be acclaimed and re-elected to the role.
Campbell has been on council since 2017 and is entering his fifth term as Reeve.
Kuerbis was then nominated for the position of Deputy Reeve, along with Mark Sayers, with Kuerbis earning the title.
Reeve Campbell says he is very excited to be back as Reeve, and thanks council for having the faith in him to continue in the role.
He notes there are some new members to council entering this term, with Eric Van Essen representing Division 6 following the municipal election, and Tony Ankermann representing Division 7. Van Essen had previously served on council with a different division.
“I’m a big supporter of change on municipal councils,” Campbell remarks.
“I think as important as it is to have that stability and have that continuity, I think it’s also important to add some new thoughts and new voices, so I’m really excited to have Eric back in the fold and to have Tony joining council.”
As for plans going forward, Campbell cited the naming of Trevor Lewington as the County’s first Director of Growth and Engagement as an exciting move for the County.
READ MORE: Lewington to step into new role with Lethbridge County
“I think there’s quite a few irons in the fire as far as that goes, but I’m really excited about the potential we have and how we can continue to build, work with our neighbours, and really move the region forward,” he states.
Meanwhile, Deputy Reeve John Kuerbis returns to the position for a fourth term.
“I appreciate the confidence that the rest of council [has] had with me, and [in] allowing me to continue with this role,” he remarks.
“I’m looking forward to the next year and the next term.”
Kuerbis echoed Reeve Campbell’s excitement about adding Trevor Lewington to the County team, as well as Van Essen and Ankermann to the council table. He’s looking forward to doing “what we can to make sure that the region as a whole excels”.
“I think it’s important to always put some fresh blood into the situation and some fresh perspectives, and I’m very excited for the future,” Kuerbis says.
You can contact Lethbridge County council by visiting the County website.
