Toronto councillor Paula Fletcher retires after 23 years representing Danforth ward

Toronto city councillor Paula Fletcher announced Wednesday she will not seek re-election in October's municipal vote, ending a 23-year career representing Toronto-Danforth Ward 14.

Fletcher made the decision while paddle-boarding on Lake Ontario on Wednesday morning, according to a post on X. "There, out there on the water, I felt a sense of great calm and made a big decision," she wrote. "I decided to remove my name from the ballot and not seek re-election." She will finish her term in mid-November.

Fletcher cited accomplishments she's proud of over her two decades in office: helping create the Red Door Shelter and Crow's Theatre within condo developments, installing a roof over Greenwood Rink, erecting Toronto's only Chinese archway welcoming visitors to the east end, and building separated bike lanes on Danforth. She also highlighted current projects including a new mixed-community housing development at Danforth and Greenwood Avenues that will provide 70 new affordable and rental-controlled apartments and house the first permanent home of Le Théâtre français de Toronto.

In her statement, Fletcher reflected on the waterfront's revitalization, efforts to restore the Don River, and the residents she has helped over nearly a quarter-century. She acknowledged that many people encouraged her to run again and that work remains unfinished, but said it was time for a new chapter for both her community and herself.