Longest-serving member of city council in Sudbury announces retirement

After 20 years, Ward 12 Coun. Joscelyne Landry-Altmann announced last week that she’s not running for re-election in this October’s municipal election. (Supplied)

After 20 years, Ward 12 Coun. Joscelyne Landry-Altmann announced last week that she’s not running for re-election in this October’s municipal election.

Landry-Altmann was elected in 2006, the first person elected to represent Ward 12 after Greater Sudbury changed its electoral system from two councillors each in six wards to one councillor each from 12 wards.

In a statement to CTV News, Landry-Atlmann said her time in office was “an honour and privilege.”

“Most importantly are the extraordinary, generous persons that I have met and have had the pleasure to work with, donating their time and expertise all with a common goal of making our community a better place to live,” she said.

In announcing her retirement at a ceremony July 3 at O’Connor Playground, she said the new basketball court was part of fulfilling the promises she made when first elected.

“Twenty years ago I promised to provide safe and appropriate, well-designed interactive playgrounds and equipment for our children,” Landry-Altmann said.

“This was the final piece -- promise kept. And so with this, my work is done. I’m announcing this morning that I will not be seeking re-election.”

She made reference to a glitch in the 2006 election that had the city announced someone else as the winner. But the glitch was corrected and she eked out a narrow victory – one that was confirmed by an official recount.

“I would like to thank my family for their unwavering support, the residents of Ward 12 who supported me five times, the volunteers that have come forward over the 20 years and continue to do,” Landry-Altmann said.

“Make no mistake -- together, we have accomplished a lot.”

In her time in office, there have been four mayors: John Rodriguez (2006-2010), Marianne Matichuk (2010-2014), Brian Bigger (2014-2022) and current incumbent Paul Lefebvre.

Lefebvre paid tribute to Landry-Altmann in a social media post, thanking her for her service to the community and to the people in Ward 12.

“I want to take this opportunity to recognize the years of dedication, energy and commitment she has given to public service,” the mayor said.

“Throughout her time on council, Joscelyne has been a strong advocate for Ward 12, helping advance improvements that have strengthened neighbourhoods, improved quality of life, and supported greater accessibility and community safety for residents of all ages and abilities.”

Landry-Altmann is the fifth member of city council not running for re-election in their ward in the October vote. She joins Ward 8 Coun. Al Sizer, Ward 9 Coun. Deb McIntosh and Ward 10 Coun. Fern Cormier in retiring. Ward 11 Coun. Bill Leduc is not running in his ward but has announced plans to run for mayor.

The municipal election is scheduled for Oct. 26. A full list of candidates is available here.