Another member of Saskatoon City Council has announced they are not seeking reelection in the upcoming 2024 Civic Election.

Mairen Loewen issued a statement Tuesday saying it’s been an honour to represent residents of Ward 7 since 2011 but as her family life evolves it is increasingly challenging to strike the right balance to fit the demands and expectations of council work.

Mayor Charlie Clark and Councillors Serena Gersher, Hilary Gough and David Kirton have also decided not to run for reelection.

That leaves Darren Hill, Troy Davies, Randy Donauer and Bev Dubois as the remaining councillors who may decide to seek another term. Ward 6 Councillor Cynthia Block has announced she is running for Mayor.

Statement from Mairen Loewen:

Hello Ward 7,

I am announcing today that I am not seeking re-election in the upcoming 2024 municipal election. It has been an honour to represent the residents of Ward 7 since 2011, and I would like to thank those residents for the opportunity to serve in this role. It’s been a true privilege to serve alongside my dedicated Council colleagues and City administration. I’ve now run in four municipal elections, and in 2020, my family and I decided that it would be my last one. As our family life evolves into an new era activities and commitments, it’s increasingly challenging to strike the right balance and fit with the demands and expectations of Council work. I am committed to serving the rest of this term and will remain in the role until November, 2024.

Being a City Councillor is challenging and rewarding, and I’m proud of the progress that Saskatoon has seen during my time in office – from the introduction of asset management plans to care for core infrastructure, the approval of Bus Rapid Transit, Active Transportation plans and new investments for pedestrians and cyclists, new services for residents like recycling and organics, investments in new cultural spaces like the Remai Art Gallery and a new central library, three new bridges, investments in our climate resilience and mitigation, more efficient approaches to City-building, much-needed new sidewalks, and improved back alley grading approaches – each of these large and small gains has been built by the feedback and insights of residents, the expert advice of City administration, and the commitment of my Council colleagues. There is always more to be done, and some work left unfinished, but I am confident that the next Council will meet these challenges and continue to build a bright future for our City.

Thank you to the residents of Ward 7 for the opportunity to be your voice on Council since 2011, and thank you to my family, friends, and community for making it possible for me to do this meaningful work.

– Mairin