Newly elected Lethbridge alderman Bob Babki died suddenly at home on Saturday night, just before his swearing-in ceremony Monday. (Courtesy of babki4council.ca)

Lethbridge city council will be sworn in on Monday, with one empty spot.

Newly elected Lethbridge alderman Bob Babki died suddenly at home on Saturday night, shortly after finishing dinner with his wife.

It's believed he suffered a heart attack or stroke.

The 68-year-old retired lawyer was about to enter his first term on council.

Ald. Ryan Parker said everyone at Lethbridge city hall is in shock.

But the swearing-in ceremony has to go ahead, under the Municipal Government Act.

"We still have to be sworn in and we still have to govern," said Parker. "It's too bad, because I was looking forward to learning a lot from Mr. Babki. I know he had a lot to offer ... It's going to be hard to fill that void, and I think I speak on behalf of the whole community because I don't think that void is replaceable by anyone except for Bob."

Ald. Tom Wickersham said he had known Babki for about 15 years and was looking forward to working with him on council.

"Well, it's a pretty sombre mood in city hall today. Because you talk to a person on Friday, and when you say goodbye, you don't expect that to be the last goodbye," Wickersham said.

The swearing-in ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m.

Under Alberta law, a byelection to fill the vacant council spot must be held within 90 days.