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A record-breaking number of candidates turned out Monday for the official start of the 2017 Edmonton civic election. 

One hundred and thirty-two people filed nomination papers for either mayor, city councillor or school trustee, returning officer Linda Sahli announced after registration closed at noon. 

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That beats the 1986 record of 120 candidates and includes some surprises.  Three challengers will make a race in Ward 1 where, until Monday, incumbent Andrew Knack stood to be acclaimed. 

United Rental sales rep Randy Allen said he planned to run against Knack for some time, but didn’t see any urgency.  He said he’ll get his signs up in the last two weeks before the Oct. 16 vote. 

“No point rushing it,” he said. 

Dave Olivier and Reuben Avellana are also running in Ward 1. 

“I believe council has been pursuing these outlandish projects like the $2-million logo without looking at the state Edmonton is in,” said Avellana, a massage therapist, referring to a marketing strategy developed by Edmonton Economic Development Corp.