Brian Bowman captures mayoral win in Winnipeg; several wards see changes

Brian Bowman speaks in Winnipeg on Oct. 22, 2014 after winning the mayoral election.

Brian Bowman will take over as Winnipeg's new mayor after shocking some by defeating Judy Wasylycia-Leis.

Around 10 p.m., results showed Bowman with 111,504 votes and Wasylycia-Leis with 58,440 votes.

During the campaign, Wasylycia-Leis led in many polls until a recent one put Bowman out in front.

During his victory speech Wednesday night, Bowman thanked voters for supporting change and "optimism."

"Winnipeg wanted positive change and today they voted for it," said Bowman.

He spoke on the need to fix roads, find solutions to crime and to create opportunities for citizens.

In her speech, Wasylycia-Leis spoke how the numbers didn't play out as expected.

"I would say Brian Bowman ran a good campaign. The vote split didn't happen as we had hoped and Robert-Falcon Ouellette ran a strong campaign and I accept the results," she said.

“I’m humbled by your steadfast support,” Wasylycia-Leis told supporters.

Gord Steeves congratulated Bowman and other candidates and said he wishes them the best.

Early results showed Bowman capturing 47.54 per cent of votes, Wasylycia-Leis with 24.92 per cent of votes, Robert-Falcon Ouellette with 15.7 per cent of votes and Steeves with 8.99 per cent of votes.

“We have been contenders. We have been game changers,” Oullette told supporters, speaking on how people from different backgrounds came together in his campaign. He also spoke on hearing from people who had never voted before becoming inspired to vote in this election.

Also in the mayoral race, Michel Fillion had 898 votes, Paula Havixbeck had 2,083 votes, Robert-Falcon Ouellette had 36,823 votes, David Sanders had 3,718 votes and Gord Steeves with 21,080 votes, showing as of 10 p.m. on Oct. 22.

Ward results show council changes and some returning faces

Early poll results in several wards also showed likely winners in Winnipeg's municipal election.

Several incumbent councillors, including Brian Mayes (St. Vital), Ross Eadie (Mynarski), Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas) and John Orlikow (River Heights) will reclaim their seats, according to early results.

Jenny Gerbasi was also projected to win the Fort Rouge ward.

Transcona incumbent Russ Wyatt will also return as councillor.

St. Boniface candidate Matt Allard appeared to capture the ward after long-time councillor Dan Vandal stepped down.

In St. Norbert, Janice Lukes takes over the reins from Justin Swandel, who did not run again.

Marty Morantz will take over the Charleswood ward from former councillor Paula Havixbeck, who stepped down to run for mayor of Winnipeg.

Devi Sharma will hold on to her seat in Old Kildonan.

Cindy Gilroy defeated long-time Daniel McIntyre councillor Harvey Smith, who came in third behind Keith Bellamy.

Elmwood-East Kildonan has a new city councillor. Jason Schreyer knocked out incumbent Thomas Steen.

Voters in North Kildonan returned councillor Jeff Browaty to his seat with a strong mandate, winning roughly three-quarters of the vote.

St. Charles has a new councillor with Shawn Dobson beating incumbent Grant Nordman.

Scott Gillingham claimed victory in St. James-Brooklands, beating St. James-Assiniboia School Division board member Bryan Metcalfe.

Winnipeg election results for mayor, councillor and school trustee spots were posted online.

Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger said he was surprised by the Wednesday night election results. He said he’ll hold his first meeting with Brian Bowman on the afternoon of Oct. 23.