When the Calgary district was created in 1884, it elected accountant and rancher James Geddes as its representative in the 1st Council of the North-West Territories.

Although most of the represented parts of the Territories held elections in 1885, Geddes' term was not over after just one year.

Four candidates contested the by-election, with North-West Rebellion veteran John Lauder and Calgary Herald publisher Hugh Cayley becoming Members of the Territorial Council.

When the Council was dissolved and the Territories' first general election was held in 1888, three challengers ran in Calgary.

Cayley was re-elected alongside newcomer John Lineham, who won the most votes of the three men.