William Smith (born December 11, 1935) is a Canadian businessman, former politician, and former professional football player. Smith was a mayor of Edmonton, Alberta from 1995 until 2004. Smith was a Grey Cup champion with the Edmonton Eskimos.

This biography may need cleanup. (December 2010)

Quick Facts 33rd Mayor of Edmonton, Preceded by ...

Bill Smith
33rd Mayor of Edmonton
In office October 16, 1995 – October 26, 2004
Preceded by	Jan Reimer
Succeeded by	Stephen Mandel
Personal details
Born	(1935-12-11) December 11, 1935 (age 88) Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Spouse	Marlene Trudel
Children	4
Profession	Businessman
Signature
Football career
Career information
CFL status	National
Position(s)	E, DB
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight	185 lb (84 kg)
Career history
As player
1956–1963	Edmonton Eskimos
Career highlights and awards
Grey Cup champion (1956)
CFL West All-Star	1960

Close

Smith was born in 1935 in Edmonton, Alberta. Smith played for the Eskimos from 1956 to 1963 as a defensive back. Smith was named a West All-Star in 1960.^[1][2]

Smith was first elected in 1995 after defeating incumbent Mayor Jan Reimer and was re-elected in 1998 and 2001. As Mayor, Smith was known as "Booster Bill" for his efforts in promoting Edmonton as the "Greatest City in the Greatest Province in the Greatest Country."^[3] During his term in office, Smith is credited with being instrumental in bringing the IAAF World Championships in Athletics, the Juno Awards and the World Masters Games to Edmonton. Smith was defeated by Councillor Stephen Mandel in the 2004 Edmonton municipal election.

After his mayoralty ended, Smith became a director of BioNeutra, a producer of VitaFiber, a natural fiber-based food sweetener.^[4] Smith is also a director of Imperial Equities.^[5]