Altona town council has officially set sail on a new four-year mandate.

Council held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday where all seven members were sworn in.

Last week's election resulted in a significant turnover with four new members elected to the local governing body. They include Joel Pankewich, Harv Schroeder, Jordan Siemens, and Curt Letkeman.

Letkeman said all four councillors will likely be leaning on the experience of the two incumbent members of council, Glen Robinson and Donna Rosling Wolters along with mayor Al Friesen for the first few months.

"I think it will be important to go in with eyes and ears wide open in an effort to find out what we're doing, why we're doing it, giving serious thought to issues and not just going in thinking that we're going to make all these changes."

Joel Pankewich agrees with that assessment and doesn't feel the lack of municipal experience among the four new councillors will hold them back for very long.

"I know for myself, I'm willing to put the time in to learn. We still have some experience with Dan Gagne as our CAO and some councillors returning and Al Friesen stepping up as mayor from the councillor position. Obviously, there will be some orientation sessions and some education in municipal politics that will further our knowledge on how to be a good public servant."

Pankewich and Harv Schroeder were first and second respectively in garnering the highest number of votes in last week's civic election.

Schroeder says there's a good mix of voices and life experiences around the table, which he feels will be a strength for council moving forward.

"We're going to have a lot of ideas and different views on things and I think being open-minded and being a good listener to what's being shared around the table is going to move this town forward."

Meanwhile, Jordan Siemens, who is the youngest member at the table, feels his age can be an advantage for council.

"I think I bring a younger perspective than we've had before, connecting with younger families and working people, and a knowledge of what it's like to work in Altona. I think those are some of the things I can bring. I also connect with our newcomers on a weekly basis, so I'll try to bring some of their perspectives and concerns to council."

The various committee appointments for councillors and the selection of a deputy mayor will be made at council's next regular meeting on November 13th.

Voter turnout in Altona's election was 40 percent.