Longtime Calgary councillor Ray Jones announced his retirement on Monday, citing health concerns.
In a letter to city manager and chief administrative officer David Duckworth dated Oct. 19, Jones says his retirement will be effective at the end of the day.
Jones offered his help during the “transitional time” and said he will miss his colleagues and city staff
“The city of Calgary is a great place to live and work; council and city staff make a difference in the lives of Calgarians daily, and I am so proud of you all,” he stated.
Jones said his office staff have agreed to stay on and serve Ward 10 until a new councillor has taken over after the next election in October 2021.
Speaking at city council on Monday, Mayor Naheed Nenshi said it has been an “extraordinary pleasure” to work with Jones.
“He’s been my councillor for the 20 years since I moved back to Calgary, and he certainly has done extraordinary things for our community.
“We’ll have the chance to properly celebrate his contributions at council next week, but Godspeed, Ray. All the best to you.”
Jones was the board president for the Rundle Community Association for eight years before entering municipal politics in 1993 when he was elected as the alderman for Ward 5.
Ward boundaries were changed heading into the 2017 municipal election, so when Jones ran for re-election he was elected in Ward 10.
He won, marking his ninth term as a city councillor.
– With files from Adam Toy