DENINU KU'E/FORT RESOLUTION - Elizabeth Ann McKay was elected the first mayor of the Hamlet of Fort Resolution on Dec. 14.

Elizabeth ann mckay: Looking forward to challenge of being Hamlet of Fort Resolution's first mayor. Election by the numbers Mayoral Results: Elizabeth Ann McKay (E) - 68 Angela McKay 59 Dave Pierrot 32 Robert Sayine Sr. 30 Raymond Simon 24 Wilfred Simon 13 Council Results: Garry Bailey (E) - 114 Carol Ann Chaplin (E)- 92 Brandie Miersch (E) - 89 Amy Miersch (E) - 80 Leonard Beaulieu (E) - 79 Dave Pierrot (E) -78 Patrick Simon (E) - 78 Angela McKay (E) - 77 Gordon Beaulieu -77 Warren Delorme -76 Freda Elief- 76 Elizabeth Ann McKay - 73 Bill Norn - 71 Robert Sayine Sr. - 71 Wilfred Simon ? 64

McKay topped a field of six people running for mayor, although she placed 12th in the race for council.

It was the first time a separate election was held for mayor in the community. Previously, members of council chose a chairperson, who was often referred to as mayor.

McKay previously served as mayor of Deninoo Community Council from 2004-2007.

"It's not going to be new," she said of her role in leading the community. "But it's going to be a challenge converting from a settlement to a hamlet."

McKay and a new council, also elected on Dec. 14, will be sworn into office on Jan. 5. At the same time Fort Resolution will gain hamlet status, replacing its current settlement status.

McKay said the process of switching to a hamlet, including the creation of bylaws, is going to take time, adding she and the new council will have to make sure the process is done properly.

Hamlets have the power to pass bylaws, own property and can access additional government funding.

"I know it's going to take a lot of work, but I like challenges," she said.

The mayor-elect said the new hamlet will get assistance through workshops from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.

McKay also said there will be community consultations to ensure the people are informed about the process.

"People still have to be updated on what's going on," she said.

McKay, 51, is the assistant manager at the Fort Resolution Housing Authority.

A full council of eight members was elected on Dec. 14.

McKay said the new council contains a mixture of newcomers and members of the outgoing settlement council.

"I think it's going to be great," she said of the new council.

A tie for the eighth and final council seat between Angela McKay and Gordon Beaulieu was broken when McKay's name was drawn from a hat.

"It was a lucky draw," said Angela McKay, who also finished second to her aunt in the race for mayor.

Angela McKay said there was a large turnout of voters because many people want change.

Of the 362 eligible voters in Fort Resolution, 227 cast ballots.

The mayor and councillors were elected for two-year terms.