A staunch ally of Mayor Scott Gillingham is calling it quits at Winnipeg City Hall. Three-term Waverley West Councilor Janice Lukes announced Wednesday she is not seeking re-election in October. An emotional Lukes said personally and professionally it was time for her to move on. “It’s the right time; you know in your heart in many things in life when it’s the right time,” she said. Lukes is on the mayor’s executive policy committee as chair of the Public Works Committee. The councilor, first elected in 2014, has been an advocate for more walking and bike paths, tackled illegal student rooming houses in south Winnipeg, and has been involved in getting money for the large rec center project in Waverley West. “The ward is at a great stage to hand off,” said Lukes. Following her announcement, Gillingham and Lukes embraced one another before he spoke to the reporters who were present. Gillingham said it’s sad to see her go and then became emotional too. “She’s been a strong ally,” said Gillingham. Lukes endorsed Gillingham four years ago and says she will door-knock for him this fall. “Yes, it’s a loss but these jobs aren’t forever,” said Gillingham The move surprised many around city hall, including long-time River Heights councillor John Orlikow, who just days ago announced he is not seeking re-election. “I had no indication she wasn’t running,” he said. While Lukes is very close with the current mayor, she was at odds with the last one. Brian Bowman removed Lukes from his EPC after her opposition to the controversial impact fees on new home builds. CTV News asked Lukes if she has spoken to Bowman since he left office in 2022. “No, he didn’t speak to me when he was here; why would I speak to him after?” said Lukes. This means both Waverley West and River Heights will have a new councillor after the October election. This could happen in other wards too, as there are other councillors who have yet to announce their intentions.
