Cynthia Block celebrates becoming the first female mayor of Saskatoon at city hall. Photo taken in Saskatoon, Sask. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024.Photo by Michelle Berg/Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Tank: Saskatoon's challenges will test Cynthia Block's positive outlook

Saskatoon's first woman mayor will lead a city council with six new members; she cited trying to address homelessness as her top priority.

by · Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Cynthia Block launched her successful campaign to become Saskatoon’s first woman mayor in June in her bright, crowded downtown campaign office.

Block smiled and expressed enthusiasm and optimism about the city’s future.

A few hours later, Gord Wyant launched his mayoral campaign in a darker venue in the Riversdale neighbourhood. Rain had started to fall outside. If the dour Wyant cracked a smile during his entire campaign, it was barely perceptible.