After almost half a century since starting her career in municipal politics, including over a decade in her current role as an Ottawa City Councillor, Marianne Wilkinson has announced she’s retiring and will not be seeking re-election this year.
Thank you for all of your support over the years. This will be my final #IWD2018 as I will be retiring this year. pic.twitter.com/iKkW45scFV
— Marianne Wilkinson (@marianne4kanata) March 6, 2018
Wilkinson’s political career began in 1970, when she was elected to the March Township council. She served as the first mayor of Kanata from its incorporation in 1978 until 1985.
Wilkinson has been the councillor for Kanata North since 2006.
Fellow politicians have tweeted their regards, thanks, and well-wishes.
Thank you very much for your years of service to March Township and Kanata and Ottawa! A true trailblazer for our community
— Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) March 6, 2018
Thank You for your years of service to March, Kanata and Ottawa. You have left positive footprints across our city and improved lives and community as you went.
— Mark Taylor (@Go_Taylor) March 6, 2018
Marianne thank you for your many years of service in public and political life in the west end. From March Township to Mayor of Kanata to City Council in the new amalgated City of Ottawa, your contributions have been appreciated. Thank You!
— Shad Qadri (@ShadQadri) March 6, 2018
As I sit at the @FCM_online board meeting I have passed on your news. Many congratulations and thanks being expressed for your dedication and hard work.
— Tim Tierney (@TimTierney) March 6, 2018
So far, two people have announced their intentions to run for Wilkinson’s Kanata North seat: David Gourlay, the former President of the Ottawa Champions baseball club, and Jenna Sudds, the Executive Director of the CIO Strategy Council and Director of the Kanata Food Cupboard.
Sudds spoke at Wilkinson’s International Women’s Day breakfast Tuesday morning, where Wilkinson announced her retirement.
For my #IWD2018 breakfast this year, I am glad to have @JennaSudds speaking. pic.twitter.com/7SyB1t0Cjy
— Marianne Wilkinson (@marianne4kanata) March 6, 2018
Wilkinson will continue as Kanata North councillor until the municipal election on October 22.