Vancouver mayor not seeking re-election

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson says he’s not seeking re-election this fall after three terms in office.

Robertson said he reflected on his future in politics over the holidays and decided it’s time to step aside.

“Ten years is a long time in politics. An important part of leadership is recognizing when to step aside to make space for new leaders,” he said in a Facebook post Wednesday.

He was first elected mayor in 2008 and by the time he completes his term this October, he’ll have served the longest consecutive run as a mayor in the city’s history.

Robertson is known for leading the city as it hosted the 2010 Olympics, implementing a “greenest city” agenda and for bringing in an empty homes tax in an effort to combat soaring housing costs.

He touted his efforts to combat homelessness and the deadly opioid crisis, build partnerships with Indigenous people and fight climate change during his time in office.

He said he has no plans to continue in politics, adding he enjoyed working in business before having entered the political arena.