City Government

Edmonton’s Longest-Serving Councillor, Ron Hayter, to Retire

July 20, 2010

After 33 years at city hall, Ward 2 Councillor Ron Hayter will not run in fall municipal election

Ron Hayter, Edmonton’s longest serving councillor, is retiring after 33 years at city hall.

“There is no greater honor than being elected to City Council and representing the citizens of the current Ward 2 and this great city,” said Hayter. “I believe my record demonstrates long-time commitment to my city and, as a cowboy might say, ‘I can hang ‘em up with pride.’”

Hayter, 73, was first elected in 1971 in what was then Ward 3. He represented Ward 3 until 1980. He served Ward 2 from 1980 until 1995.

Hayter took a break from politics from 1995 until 2001 to serve on the National Parole Board. He ran successfully in Ward 2 in 2001 and has served as its councillor since then.

“Ron has been a remarkable leader on our Council for many years and his contributions have been many, from helping lead national initiatives to gain support for municipal financing to his passion for local community initiatives and his leadership on countless sports files,” said Mayor Mandel. “He is a strong fiscal hawk with a heart of gold – something that is so evident on the Urban Aboriginal Initiative which he has championed on our behalf.”

Hayter was instrumental in the construction of Edmonton’s LRT system in the early seventies and was founding director of the 1978 Commonwealth Games.

Even though he’s not running in the upcoming civic election, Hayter plans to be involved in the city in some way.

“He has had an immeasurable impact on our City,” said Mayor Mandel. “I believe we owe him enormous respect and gratitude for his exemplary career as a public servant and our best wishes for a very well earned retirement.”