Coun. Paula Fletcher has changed her mind about running for re-election, just two days after announcing that she was seeking another term. Fletcher, who has served as a Toronto City Councillor since 2003, said she made the decision on Wednesday to withdraw her candidacy in Toronto-Danforth. In a lengthy statement posted on X, the Ward 14 representative shared that she made the decision while on one of her frequent paddleboard rides on Lake Ontario. “While I looked out over our beautiful city in the morning light, I thought long and hard about the past 23 years and the great privilege I’ve had to serve the many communities in Toronto-Danforth,” she wrote. Fletcher went on to reflect on her role in the revitalization of Toronto’s waterfront and the restoration of the Don River. “And what a difference it’s made to serve as your councillor with Olivia Chow as our mayor,” she said. “There, out on the water, I felt a sense of great calm and made a big decision. I decided to remove my name from the ballot and not seek re-election. Today, I am announcing my retirement from City Hall.” Fletcher said while many people encouraged her to run again, she ultimately decided that the time has come to “pass the torch to the next generation.” “It’s time for a new chapter – for our community, and for me,” she wrote, saying that she’ll finish her term in mid-November when a new local councillor will be elected. “I have always fought for what I believe in – and I’m so proud of the work we’ve done together over the last 23 years.” Torontonians head to the polls on Oct. 26.
