George S. Armstrong

Who was George S. Armstrong?

George Seale Armstrong was a Canadian businessman and politician. He served on the Edmonton City Council from 1907 to 1910 and as Mayor of Edmonton from 1910 to 1912.

Armstrong was born in what would soon become the province of Ontario in 1867. After briefly teaching school, he entered the business industry, as a druggist. After dabbling into politics briefly on the council of Eastnor Township, he would relocate west, to the city of Edmonton, Alberta. In Edmonton he would establish his pharmaceutical business once again, and work briefly with his brother on real estate and construction projects. The next year, in 1907, he ran for election to the Edmonton City Council and was elected to a two year term. His name being circulated for a possible mayoral candidate as early as 1909, Armstrong decided to run for the mayoralty in the 1910 municipal election, resigning his term as alderman to stand in the mayoral vote. Uncontested as only nominated candidate come election day, Armstrong would be acclaimed to the mayor's chair for the coming year of 1911. During the term, he several issues were brought up to council's attention, including the city's need of a new civic building and the possibility of two new gas plants for the city.