Happy mood here at the Metropolitan Centre as early results show Barb Higgins in the lead.

Barb Higgins and Ric McIver have jumped out in front early in the race for the mayor’s chair.

READ MORE :: Early returns show Higgins, McIver in lead

There's still lots of optimism at McIver headquarters despite the lead by Higgins.
Campaign manager Sam Armstrong says it's still very early.
He's encouraged by the voter turnout.
He says it means they were able to get the voters they were aiming for out to the polls
Many supporters here are upset at the amount of votes received by mayoral candidates who dropped out!

The results are in for the Town of Cochrane. Truper McBride has been re-elected with 56% of the vote.

Nenshi camp very excited about scrutineers reports that show him ahead by four thousand votes over McIver after 26 polls.

Barb Higgins' political strategist Rod Love says it's too early to count any candidate out.

It's going to be a long night.
Still 2/3 of polls to count and the McIvor campaign says the Southeast wards are still to come where Rick polls well.
A subdued mood right now as supporters wait.

At Brian Pincott's headquarters in the SW. A crowd of supporters here positive but guardedly optimistic. Pincott watching the close race unfold, admittedly he's nervous..

Nenshi will give expected victory speech at 10:45.

Barb to address her supporters at 10:45pm. Her team hasn't confirmed if she'll concede.

Bill Robertson has won a hard-fought race for mayor in Okotoks, south of Calgary. www.globaltvcalgary.com

Barb Higgins concedes, saying Naheed Nenshi will be Calgary's next mayor.

It's still a waiting game at McIvor headquarters.
They aren't ready to concede until SE polls are counted.
He may come out to speak within 30 minutes.

Huge round of applause from Druh Farrell supporters on news that Nenshi is Calgary's new mayor.

11:18
Rick McIver concedes!
He thanks his family and volunteers, community leaders.
He says he is humbled by the support.
He says his heart is broken.
He was proud to put forward a plan to put this city forward.
He told volunteers to hold your heads up high, you did it all for the right reasons.
He wished Mr. Nenshi the very best and will pat him on the back for job well done and wish him well.
He hopes the new council gets the job done.
Standing beside his wife he waved goodbye but added while he doesn't know what the future holds for me, You haven't heard the last from me!

Thank you for watching our live blog and congrats to Naheed Nenshi!