Longtime Toronto councillor Paula Fletcher announces retirement

Toronto City Councillor Paula Fletcher has announced her retirement from politics, just days after registering to run for another term. Fletcher, who has served on city council for 23 years, said she had a "come to Jesus moment" while on her paddleboard on Lake Ontario, deciding it was time to end her career.

Fletcher, who represents the Toronto-Danforth ward, explained that while her health is fine, she felt it was time to enjoy the city she has dedicated over two decades to improving. She also indicated that she did not have enough time to tackle major projects she has championed, such as the Don River and waterfront revitalization.

Regarding a potential successor, Fletcher stated she has made no decisions and will observe who puts their name forward. She noted that her constituents, like those she represented when she succeeded Jack Layton, share a set of values they will expect to be upheld. Fletcher emphasized that she will continue her duties as councillor until the fall, addressing constituent concerns like broken branches or sewer issues.

Nominations for the municipal elections close on Friday. The announcement comes as other late entries have registered, including Mike Layton for University-Rosedale and former MP Nate Erskine-Smith for Beaches-East York.

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come to Jesus moment