Guelph’s mayor will not seek re-election

After three terms, Guelph’s current mayor will not run for re-election this fall. CTV’s Alexandra Holyk finds out why.

Guelph’s mayor has announced he will not be seeking re-election.

In a social media post on Monday, Mayor Cam Guthrie announced he will not be running in October’s municipal election.

“I will step aside and pass the baton to the leader our voters choose,” Guthrie wrote.

Guthrie is serving his third term as mayor after he was first elected to the position in 2014 when he upset incumbent candidate Karen Farbridge.

During the most recent election in 2022, Guthrie claimed 71.21 per cent of the votes. His next closest opponent, Danny Drew, captured 12.8 per cent of the vote.

“Serving in this role has been an honour and a joy, which made this decision incredibly difficult. Yet I am also at peace with it,” he said.

His post said he feels a “prompting” toward a new chapter, but does not reveal what that new journey may involve.

“Announcing early allows for a smooth transition. Important files and initiatives continue even during an election, and I want to help steer them to completion while working collaboratively with whoever is elected,” he said.

Ontario’s next municipal election is coming up on Oct. 26.

In an interview on Tuesday, Guthrie said it was a difficult decision, but he is at peace with it.

“I am looking at what’s really best for my family, and it’s the right time for me to look for a new adventure and a new journey to go on to.”

He said he will continue to be involved in the community after he leaves office. Although he didn’t say what the future would hold, he said, “There’s an adventure that awaits me. It’s going to be exciting.”

Guthrie said he plans to stay on for the remainder of his term and help with the transition of power following October’s election. In the meantime, he offered advice to his successor:

“Don’t pretend you know everything because you don’t,” said Guthrie. “Always be open-minded to figure out what is going to leave the city better.”