Richard Pootmans

Richard Pootmans is a Canadian politician who served as the councillor for Ward 6 on the Calgary City Council. Pootmans initially served two terms from 2010 to 2017 before a one-term hiatus during which he co-founded a consultancy. He returned to council following the 2021 municipal election. Pootmans resigned from his position on November 26, 2024, citing "personal and family reasons," less than a year from the 2025 Calgary municipal election.

Early life Richard Pootmans was born in 1956.

Education Lisgar Collegiate (Ottawa) Class of 1974

Carleton University (Ottawa) Class of 1979

Mount Royal University (Petroleum Land Management) Class of 1979

University of Calgary (MBA) 1996

Awards Pootmans was the 2009 recipient of the Economic Development Alberta Economic Developer of the Year.

Prior to being elected in 2010, Pootmans taught as an instructor for 5 years at the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. He was Senior Business Development Manager, Real Estate – Calgary Economic Development, Financial Analyst; Vice President, Installations – SMED International, Consultant; Financial management, business strategy – TractionWorks, Co-owner – PORTS International stores, Calgary, and worked as a Landman – Hudson's Bay Oil and Gas Company, Dome Petroleum.

2013 municipal election Pootmans was reelected in the 2013 election by capturing 51% of the votes.

2021 municipal election After a four-year hiatus from politics, Pootmans sought election in Ward 6 during the 2021 municipal election. His successor, Jeff Davison, did not run for council, instead seeking the mayoralty. Pootmans won with 48% of the vote on October 18.