Coun. Paula Fletcher will not run for re-election in Toronto-Danforth

Councillor Paula Fletcher has decided not to seek re-election in Toronto-Danforth for the upcoming municipal elections in October. Fletcher initially registered to run for another term just two days ago, but she has withdrawn her nomination following some reflection while paddle-boarding on Lake Ontario. She expressed that she "changed her mind" after much thought about her decades-long career at City Hall and the initiatives she has been involved in, such as the waterfront revitalization and efforts to restore the Don River.

Fletcher highlighted the positive impact of her role as a Councillor under Mayor Olivia Chow, stating that she felt a sense of great calm and made a significant decision while on the water. After receiving encouragement from the Toronto-Danforth community, she initially registered to run again, believing there was still much to accomplish.

However, she now feels it is time to hand over the reins to the next generation and embark on a new chapter in her life. Fletcher emphasizes that she will finish her current term in mid-November, at which point a newly elected Ward 14 Councillor will take over. Her retirement creates another vacant seat on the city council, alongside the retirement of Gord Perks from Parkdale-High Park and the ongoing campaign by incumbent Brad Bradford for Mayor.