The Town of Cabri is going to have its first-ever woman elected to the Mayoral seat.
Norma Pederson has been acclaimed as the Mayor of Cabri and is the first woman ever to lead the government of the town in its 112-year history.
Pederson for her part is immensely grateful for the chance to lead her community in the upcoming term.
"I just think it's a complete honour," said Pederson. "I look forward to what the next four years will bring."
Pederson has served for the last 12 years on the Town of Cabri council, and before that served on town council from 1997 to 2001.
During her time on council, she has been present for the revitalizing of the Cabri rink, as well as the recent boom in population the town has experienced.
"As kids moved away to university, they got married, and started having families," said Pederson. "Many of them have moved back to our area and we want to keep them here. We want our town to continue to be viable."
Madam Mayor is excited to work alongside the town council, tackling issues that will help keep families invested in the community. One of the most recent issues the Town has had to contend with was a two-and-a-half month-long drinking water advisory that recently ended.
A core piece of the water treatment plant broke down earlier in the summer and had to be sent away. Considering that the water treatment plant was built in the 1960s, the repair of this part took much longer than originally anticipated.
Pederson, who was on the town council when this issue began and has since been acclaimed for Mayor, has watched this scenario unfold and evolve and has been part of finding a solution.
"Our very capable Foreman has figured out things to do to make the water plant run efficiently," credited Pederson. "But going forward, we know there will be something else that will probably happen.
"(The water treatment plant) is old, so we must make a plan. We'll probably have to look for grants and do everything we can to keep our water plant functioning."
As mayor, Pederson encourages people in Cabri to approach her with concerns and ideas. She hopes to foster the youthful energy that has taken up residence in Cabri, encouraging future growth and expansion.