In the November 1953 municipal election, in which McNiven ran un-opposed, he became the first mayor of Yellowknife. The position was effective January 1, 1954 for two years; however, McNiven did not complete his term, resigning in October 1954 to focus on his mine engineering business.
McNiven's election victory in the November 1953 municipal election made him Yellowknife's first mayor. He assumed office on January 1, 1954, for a two-year period; however, he did not complete his term, resigning in October 1954 to concentrate on his mine engineering business.