A long-time city councillor and former mayor will not seek re-election in October.
Ted Emond, who is in his second four-year term as Orillia's Ward 1 councillor, announced this morning that he is retiring from politics.
"After 37 years in and out of elected office, five successful elections, and at the age of 82, now is the time to focus on enjoying life with my wife and family," Emond said in a press release.
"It has been an honour and privilege to serve the residents of Orillia as your Mayor, a Commissioner of the Orillia Water Light Power Commission, and most recently as a two-term Ward 1 Councillor," he said.
Emond, who served as mayor from 1986-88, referenced many highlights from his years in public service.
"Over the past 37 years (15 in elected office) Orillia has undergone significant change and I’m proud to have served on councils that initiated" the following:
- OPP General Headquarters locating in Orillia;
- Expanding Orillia to include lands west of Highway 11;
- Enlarging our waste-water facilities to accommodate growth;
- Opening a state-of-the-art recreation and aquatic centre;
- Hydro One Grid Control Centre locating in the Horne Business Park;
- Preparing the Downtown Tomorrow Plan and initiating the redevelopment of our downtown waterfront lands;
- Launching Orillia’s Climate Change Action Plans; and
- Guiding Orillia to its strongest financial position in decades.
Emond thanked his family and friends for their patience and support.
He also applauded his "elected colleagues for (their) collaboration and civility" and thanked city staff "that so capably and professionally serve our city."
Emond said it has been a pleasure to "serve" the city.
"Thank you to all Orillia residents for your commitment to our city," he said.
