Dear River Ward Friends and Neighbours:
Since I was first elected in 2003, it has been an honour and privilege to serve you and the residents of our great city as a member of Ottawa City Council representing River Ward.
Together we have made huge progress in River Ward and in Canada’s Capital. While exercising fiscal prudence, we have renewed our infrastructure, expanded our community gathering places, grown Neighbourhood Watch, and built new pedestrian and cycling facilities.
I am proud of our rejuvenated Lansdowne and our work on housing and seniors’ issues, and our Council has passed some of the toughest transparency and accountability policies in the country. In working with our Federal and Provincial partners we have built a landmark Convention Centre, began construction on Light Rail Transit and have made clean-up of the Ottawa River a top priority.
As proud as I am to be the City Councillor for River Ward, after thoughtful consideration with my family, I will not be seeking re-election. This was a very difficult decision. Being a City Councillor is an extraordinary and rewarding job and I have enjoyed every day as your representative. I will especially miss serving River Ward constituents daily, but you are my friends and neighbours and I intend to stay involved in our community.
I have full confidence in Mayor Jim Watson to lead our city into 2015 and it has been my great pleasure to work with him. I am appreciative of my City Council colleagues and I wish the next term of Council all the very best.
Thank you to everyone who has played a role in this journey, including my family and friends, staff, volunteers, and supporters. I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of City staff, whose tireless efforts help build this great city.
I am especially grateful to my husband Paul who is always by my side and whose support has allowed me to best serve you, and I am thankful to my parents, Michael and Gail, who have inspired my passion for community service.
Thank you River Ward for placing your trust and faith in me and for allowing me to serve as your City Councillor. It remains a humbling honour and a privilege being your strong voice at City Hall and I will continue to serve you dutifully and energetically for the remainder of the term.
After December 1st, my husband Paul and I are looking forward to our next adventure and to new challenges with gratitude. This job has allowed me to make enduring friendships and to make a difference, and I will forever hold this time dear to my heart.
With sincere regards,
Maria McRae
River Ward City Councillor