Grande Prairie may be one of the last places where the term "Alderman" is used, but not for long. City council will be voting shortly to change it to councillor, just like everyone else. It doesnt really make a difference, its not about the name of the position but the work that is done. Not many people know where the term "Alderman" came from.
I was having coffee one night with a very old dear friend and mentioned that I was going to run for Alderman. He asked me if I knew where the term came from, to which I said "No". Council memebers used to meet around the fire to discuss community issues. Each member brought a log, as long as their log burned they were allowed to talk, as soon as their log went out they were done. Council members started to bring Alder logs because Alder wood burns longer than others. That is where the term "Alderman" comes from.
So now, even though it seems the term will no longer be used, you know the story behind the name!
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