He began his career in municipal politics in 1895 when he was elected to Edmonton Town Council as an alderman. He was re-elected in 1896, finishing third of eight candidates (the top six were elected), but did not seek re-election the following election. During these early years on the town council, Bellamy was a member of the council's finance committee. He attempted to make a return to council in 1900, having been nominated by William Thomas Henry and Hedley C. Taylor, but was ultimately defeated, placing seventh of eight candidates. He next effort, in 1904, was more successful, as he placed fourth of seventeen candidates and became one of four aldermen elected to a two-year term on Edmonton's first city council.