Deflecting criticism of his leadership, Gregor Robertson has earned Vancouver's top job once again.
Voters in Vancouver re-elected Robertson as mayor on Saturday evening as municipal elections were held across British Columbia.
"Tonight, you've shown that Vancouver is a city that cares, a city that works together to lift everyone up," a jubilant Robertson said in his victory speech.
Not only did Robertson easily win a second-term, but every member of his Vision Vancouver slate won a seat, a successful end to a campaign that's been dogged by persistent criticism.
Robertson has been accused of weak leadership in his handling of the Occupy Vancouver demonstrations and the Stanley Cup riots.
His right-leaning rival Suzanne Anton of the Non-Partisan Association (NPA) was an assertive opponent, condemning Robertson for "dithering" on Occupy Vancouver.
Anton's argument seemed to fizzle out when the city won an injunction to evict the protesters on Friday, the day before the vote.
Despite the tense race, Robertson easily slipped into the mayor's chair again. Anton, the lone NPA representative on the previous city council, lost to him by almost 19,000 votes.
After the vote, Anton expressed disappointment with the results, but added she was happy to see that her party had gained some strength on Vancouver's city council.
"There will be more balance now at city hall. I must say, being there with nobody to second your motions was a challenging position," she said.
Her NPA party has published a Twitter message congratulating Robertson on his win and wishing him luck.
Still, Anton has vowed to use her party's newfound strength to debate issues more aggressively on city council.
More than 34 per cent of eligible voters in Vancouver cast ballots this year, a welcome increase from 31 per cent in 2008.
With files from CTV Vancouver and The Canadian Press
