Sue Foxton ending her run as North Dumfries mayor

Sue Foxton, mayor for the Township of North Dumfries.

Change is coming to the Township of North Dumfries and the Region of Waterloo.

Mayor Sue Foxton has announced her decision not to run for re-election.

In a letter sent out on Thursday, she said “it is time for me to pursue new opportunities and to spend time with family.”

Foxton started as a councillor for Ward 1 and then, in 2014, became the township’s mayor.

“After 27 action-packed and amazing years of being your partner in the shaping of our community, it is now time for me to step back from the political world,” she wrote. “It is time. It has been a tremendous journey that I will look back with favourable memories. Thank you for supporting me over the years and allowing me to be part of this amazing experience.”

Foxton listed some of the moments that stood out during her tenure, such as the township hosting two International Plowing Matches, the creation of the North Dumfries Community Complex and Cowan Park, the construction of Ayr’s downtown library and the pop-up library in Ward 4, the purchase of property for a community park in Clyde, as well as the celebration of Ayr’s 200th anniversary.

She also said she was “blessed” to take part in community organizations, clubs, and council.

“A shared vision of making North Dumfries a better place to live has been a constant and shared objective,” Foxton wrote.

The mayor ended her letter with one last sentiment: “North Dumfries, it has been an honour to serve.”

More council changes

Foxton is not the only politician stepping away from regional council and, potentially, politics.

Sandy Shantz, mayor for the Township of Woolwich, announced in late April she would not seek re-election. She also said she wanted to spend more time with her friends and family.

Two other Waterloo councillors have also decided to move on.

Jen Vasic, who represents Ward 5, and Royce Bodaly in Ward 2 said they will not be on the ballot in October.

There will also be a big change in both Guelph and Brant County as Cam Guthrie and David Bradley have decided not to run again as mayor.