Council Members

Town of Viking Council Members

Back row from left to right, Councillor Ewashko, Mayor Ritchie, Councillor Nearing and Councillor Hafso.

Front row from left to right, Councillor Acres, Councillor Weisgerber and Councillor O'Toole-Balaban.


To learn more about Viking Town Council, scroll down for Councillor profiles.

The positions of Mayor and Councillors are at-large elections, meaning that each person elected represents the Town as a whole and not a particular section of the Town. The Town of Viking does not have a ward system. Council Meetings are held in Council Chambers, in the Town Administration building. The open session of the Council Meeting commences @ 1800 hours and members of the public are welcome to attend. Council meeting minutes are posted to this web site once approved by Council.

It is legislated under the Municipal Government Act (MGA) that municipalities within the province of Alberta are accountable:

To provide good government, To provide services, facilities or other things that, in the opinion of Council, are necessary or desirable for all or part of the municipality, and To develop and maintain safe and viable communities.

Council has developed governance policies to ensure Council provides good government and conducts its business in compliance with legislative requirements and best practices. In addition to this policy framework, Council is required to adhere to its Procedural Bylaw. The Procedural Bylaw outlines the decision making process followed by Council.

Council Governance Policies
Council Procedural Bylaw

The responsibilities of a member of Council are many. Besides attendance at regular meetings of Council, each member of Council sits on a number of Boards and Committees. These appointments may be to either Town of Viking Advisory Boards and Committees or External Boards and Committees with Regional Partners.

There are 15 boards and committees with Council-representation. Elected officials are appointed to specific boards and committees for one-year terms during the organizational council meeting held in the fall.


Name of Board or CommitteeDescription
Beaver Ambulance SocietyTo provide ambulance services to member municipalities within Beaver County.
Beaver Municipal SolutionsTo promote the advancement of related industries for waste reclamation.
Viking/Beaver Family & Community Support ServicesTo promote and facilitate use of volunteers to enhance strengthen and stabilize family and community life.
Viking Municipal LibraryTo provide comprehensive and efficient library services.
Beaver Foundation Management AgencyTo provide accommodation in a home like atmosphere for Senior Citizens.
Viking Economic Development CommitteeTo promote, expand and enhance the economic development of the Town.
Facilities User MeetingTo update and coordinate the activities of the community facilities and develop a master plan for the Town’s recreation facilities.
Kalyna CountryTo Promote Tourism in North-eastern & Central Alberta.
Highway 14 Regional Water Services CommissionTo provide a safe, secure supply of potable water to the Communities within Beaver County.
Battle River Alliance for Economic DevelopmentTo pursue opportunities for growth & development through regional cooperation and collaboration.
Community Partners for WellnessTo provide for an exchange of information from the various helping professions within the area.
Beaver County Municipalities Joint Council MeetingTo discuss common issues and promote regional cooperation.
Beaver Emergency Services CommissionTo provide Fire Protection and Emergency Management Services within the limits of the Town of Viking.
Beaver County Victim ServicesTo provide Information, Support and Referrals to Victims of Crime and Tragedy.


Email: Mayor Ritchie

  • After completion of a Bachelors of Business Administration from UBC, Mayor Ritchie moved to Calgary in hopes of pursuing a future career which was when he coincidentally started Ritchie’s Painting.  It was there that he met his future wife Candace.  In 2009, they made the decision to set up shop in Viking moving closer to some of the Alberta family.  Since moving to Viking they have had two young children, Will and Ellie.
  • The family enjoys small town living as both grew up in similar size towns in Manitoba and Nova Scotia. They are looking forward to raising their children in Viking.
  • Mayor Ritchie is currently serving his second term as a director for Beaver Municipal Solutions while sitting on other committees and partnerships within the region.
  • Elected in October 2017, second term on Council, first term as Mayor


Email:  Councillor Ewashko

  • Councillor Ewashko was born in Viking and raised on a farm near Innisfree, AB. Recently retired from nearly 25 years in the Financial Services industry, where he obtained his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. Councillor Ewashko has been involved for nearly 20 years with the Viking Lions Club where he served in the positions of Treasurer and President. Currently President of the Battle River Road Runners Car Club and Commissioner for the Highway 14 Water Commission. Councillor Ewashko has resided in the Town of Viking for almost 20 years.
  • Elected in October 2017, first term on Council

Email:  Councillor Acres

  • Born and raised in Viking. Both paternal and maternal grandparents homesteaded here in the early 1900s.
  • After graduation from Viking School, I worked with Saskatoon Public Schools as a teacher and administrator for 34 years.
  • I have three daughters and three grandchildren, with more on the way
  • Retired and returned to Viking in 2008.
  • Enjoy travelling, gardening, painting and hanging our with my kids and grandkids
  • As town councillor, I sit on BESC (Beaver Emergency Services Commission), FCSS (Family and Community Support Services Board), Viking Community Wellness Society, Regional Wellness Committee
  • President of Station Gallery Art Guild, Viking United Church board member, Food Bank volunteer
  • Elected in October 2017, third term on Council

Email: Councillor Nearing

  • Over 35 years farming in the Viking area
  • Councillor Nearing has been involved with many community organization in the Viking community over the years, most recently the Viking Lions Club, Viking Ag. Society and the Viking Golf & Curling Club. He has also been involved with the Viking Historical Society and many other community events and initiatives.
  • Elected in October 2017, first term on Council

Email: Councillor Weisgerber

  • Councillor Weisgerber was born and raised in southern Saskatchewan, and moved to Viking in 2007 after completing her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan.
  • Married with 3 children, and owner and operator of Viking Pharmacy.
  • As a Councillor she is a Board member with the Beaver Ambulance and member of the Viking/Beaver Intermunicipal Committee. Also involved in community organizations Viking Minor Hockey director and Viking Families 4 Fun Board Member.
  • Elected in October 2017, second term on Council.

Email: Councillor O'Toole-Balaban

  • Councillor O'Toole-Balaban has lived in Viking for 14 years. Served as a coach with Minor Hockey, and been a member of the Handivan Society, Palliative Care and Pastoral Committees. Currently serving as secretary for both the Viking Ag. Society and Viking in the Streets Festival boards.
  • Elected in February 2018, first term on Council

Email: Councillor Hafso

  • Councillor Hafso owned and operated Bumper to Bumper Viking for 10 years, and now works in the business still as a staff member. Currently involved with the Viking Legion, as membership chairman, Viking Ag Society and Cloverlodge Stampede Association as a member of the executive. Councillor Hafso has over the years volunteered many hours to these organizations and others, and looks forward to working with the residents of Viking.
  • Elected in February 2018, first term on Council