Jessie May Nickson, née Shaw[3] (May 29, 1918, in Ottawa – June 5, 2010) was the first woman elected as an alderman on Ottawa City Council (excluding the Board of Control and mayor)[6] serving from 1955 to 1960, representing St. George's Ward.
On council, she fought for better representation for women in city jobs and civic boards and committee, and to get fluoride in the drinking water.
[10] She had to resign her seat in 1960 when her husband was named commercial secretary for Canada in Canberra, Australia.
In retirement, she learned Spanish and volunteered with development agencies, which included time in Costa Rica and India.
[9] In addition to diving and golf, she also enjoyed bridge, and water skiing and swimming at her family cottage on Danford Lake.