It's no longer Whitehorse city councillor Doug Graham, not since midnight election night, after he won his seat as the new Yukon Party MLA for Porter Creek North.

But Graham paid a visit to his former colleagues as a regular citizen for one more little go-around at Wednesday night's meeting. The session had been bumped from Monday because of Thanksgiving and Tuesday's election.

"We have to explain to you how the rules work,” Coun. Bev Buckway told the longest-serving member of council, next to Coun. Dave Stockdale, who was first elected in 1983.

"You know I have to ask you to state your name and address, and you have five minutes,” the mayor said of the rules for presentations from members of the public.

Graham, with a little chuckle, launched into his swan song.

"As you probably...”

"Name and address, please,” Coun. Florence Roberts lightheartedly reminded the veteran.

"Doug Graham, 1407 Alder Place – Porter Creek North,” said the councillor of 11 years on what was his first day on the payroll as an MLA-designate.

"As you are probably aware, I was elected last night, and I thought I would just drop by and bring my letter of resignation.”

Graham said he also wanted to express his thanks for the opportunity to work with the members of council.

"It has been a real emotional roller coaster serving on council, and I want to say I really appreciate what you have done with me – and to me over the years.”

Graham recalled how it was he who stood in opposition to the cost-of-living increases for members of council when the matter came up before the last city election in October 2009.

In hindsight, looking at the volume of work the elected representatives have had to deal with over the last two years in particular, he would have supported the increases, he said.

"Keep on fighting the good fight,” said Graham. "You have done a good job.”

"I have enjoyed working with you here,” said Stockdale, often Graham's sparring partner, and no stranger to digs and jabs exchanged between the two.

"I am not going to say I'm going to miss you,” he said with a smile. "It's been a great experience, and all the best down the road.”

Under the Yukon Municipal Act, elected representatives of municipalities automatically surrender their seat on council if elected to territorial office.

A byelection must be held to fill the vacancy, unless the vacancy occurs after Feb. 1 of the election year, which is next year for the Yukon, on the third Thursday of October.

The city announced Wednesday it will make the nomination packages to fill Graham's seat available Friday.

The advance polling date for the Whitehorse byelection is scheduled for Nov. 24, with election day slated for Thursday, Dec. 1.

Teslin Coun. Stacey Hassard was also elected to office as the Yukon Party MLA for Pelly-Nisutlin, replacing Yukon Party cabinet minister Marian Horne, who lost the nomination to Hassard and subsequently ran in Whitehorse Centre. She lost by a landslide to NDP Leader Liz Hanson.

Hassard also tendered his resignation officially at Teslin's council meeting last night, though no date for a byelection has been scheduled.

Carmacks Mayor Elaine Wyatt ran for the Yukon Party in the riding of Mayo-Tatchun, but lost to NDP candidate Jim Tredger, who unseated Liberal MLA Eric Fairclough, a veteran of 15 years in office.

Whitehorse city councillors receive $18,000 a year for serving, along with a standard benefit package.

They're also paid $125 a day while representing the city on official business, or $62.50 for half-days, as well as travel and accommodation expenses while out of town.

The mayor receives an annual salary of $74,000, benefits, a vehicle allowance of $450 a month and travel expenses.