Waye Mason running for Halifax mayor, 2nd councillor to throw hat into ring

Longtime Halifax Coun. Waye Mason has thrown his hat into the ring and will be running for mayor this fall.

Mason was first elected to council in 2012 and is currently serving his third term representing South Downtown. He has been particularly outspoken about the growth and vitality of the downtown core.

During his announcement Monday, Mason said his plan is focused on housing and making the municipality affordable.

“I’ve watched and learned and supported our current mayor for 12 years. I’ve been in the City Hall trenches, and my experience will ensure we can match this unique moment of growth that he and council have led us to,” Mason said.

“I think that my track record of being a leader on council, helping to provide solutions, finding ideas and then delivering on those ideas, that is my strength. And that’s what I’m campaigning on.”

Mason grew up in Dartmouth, and has been an entrepreneur and business owner prior to entering municipal politics.

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His colleagues, Coun. Lisa Blackburn, Coun. Tony Mancini and Coun. Iona Stoddard, were all in attendance for the announcement — and Mason said their support was an honour.

He added that his policy plan will be released in September.

6:06 Mayor Mike Savage on not seeking reelection

Mayor Mike Savage said in February that he will not be running during the municipal election in October, leaving the seat wide open.

Mason is the fifth person to announce a candidacy for mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), and the second sitting councillor to do so.

Hammonds Plains—St. Margaret’s Coun. Pam Lovelace announced her bid last month, saying the capital city needed a “strong team and a strong mayor.”

She identified the cost of living and housing as among the top issues facing HRM and pledged to work closely with provincial and federal leaders to find solutions.

The other official candidates for mayor are Clay Thomas Bowser, Ryan Dodge, and Nolan Greenough.

Halifax member of Parliament Andy Fillmore has expressed interest in the job, but no official announcement has been made.

The nomination period ends Sept. 10, and the municipal election is scheduled to take place Oct. 19.