| Donald J. Atchison | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Saskatoon | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 2003 |
|
| Preceded by | James Maddin |
| City of Saskatoon Councillor | |
| In office 1994–2003 |
|
| Succeeded by | Bev Dubois |
| Constituency | Ward 10 |
| Personal details | |
| Residence | Saskatoon |
| Occupation | Business owner |
Donald J. Atchison is a Canadian politician who was elected mayor of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on October 22, 2003. He won a close four-way contest, running on a platform that included being tough on crime, freezing property taxes, and resuming control of the city's police commission. He was re-elected as mayor in 2006 and 2009.[1][2]
Prior to being mayor, Atchison was first elected to Saskatoon's city council as a councillor for Ward 10 in 1994, and was re-elected in 1997 and 2000.
As a city councillor, Atchison suggested a part of downtown Saskatoon should be enclosed by a $80 million 10-storey climate-controlled glass atrium, dubbed the "Atreos."[3] He also is known to be precise about his dress, as he owns a men's clothing store. On his first election as mayor, he required citizens visiting the Mayor's office to be formally dressed. Both points were ridiculed by CBC satirist Rick Mercer who sponsored an online contest that went on to name Atchison "Canada's Craziest Mayor."[4]
Atchison was born and raised in Saskatoon where he attended Queen Elizabeth and Holliston elementary schools, Walter Murray Collegiate and the University of Saskatchewan. He has participated in curling, tennis, Canadian football, golf and hockey as both a player and a coach.[5]
Atchison is the owner/operator of a longtime men's clothing store in downtown Saskatoon (Atch & Co). He is also a member of the Saskatchewan Grand Lodge of Freemasons.[6] He and his wife Mardele have five children.[7]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by James Maddin |
Mayor of Saskatoon 2003–present |
Incumbent |