North Bay Council members weigh re-election decisions as 2026 vote one year away

With the next municipal election set for Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, several City of North Bay Council members say they are still deciding whether they will seek another term. BayToday contacted members of Council and gave them roughly seven days to respond to the question: Will you seek re-election? Some have already made their decision, while others say they are still weighing the demands of public service and the "tone" of the current term. Councillor Gary Gardiner: "Not running." Councillor Sara Inch: "I haven't made a decision about running again. There's still a lot of important work to be done -- from protecting our drinking water and improving representation, to addressing housing, homelessness, and economic development. I remain committed to supporting my hometown, but I'm also mindful that public service requires the right timing and the right energy." Councillor Tanya Vrebosch: "I haven't made a decision yet. I love politics and representing our City, but this term has been a tough one -- it may have done me in. There's still a lot of work to do, but you need the right people around the table to move things forward. That said, anyone who knows me knows how much I love what I do, and that in politics, you can never say never." Councillor Justine Mallah: "Serving on City Council has been a privilege, and I'm proud of the positive progress we've made over the past three years. There's always more work to be done, and it's work I care deeply about. Whether I seek re-election is a decision I'm still considering carefully. Being a member of City Council is a serious commitment, and if I choose to rerun, it will be because I'm ready to continue giving this role the full focus, integrity, and energy our community deserves." Councillor Mark King: "I haven't made a decision yet, but chances are I will seek re-election." Councillor Jamie Lowery: "From my perspective, this Council has been ineffective, as very little has been accomplished. With practically no leadership from the Mayor's office, this term will clearly be defined by a general lack of accountability and for being 'tone deaf' to the community. There is little chance I would seek a second term as a Council member. Having said that, I am considering a mayoral run. I would use some of the provincial powers in order to help ensure a change in direction that focuses on the community and employs business practices to improve service delivery and efficiency." Deputy Mayor Maggie Horsfield: "I'm happy to share that I plan to put my name forward once again to serve the City I love and call home. Over this term of Council, I've had the privilege of listening, learning, and working alongside so many passionate and dedicated people in our community. These experiences have deepened my commitment to public service and strengthened my belief in what we can accomplish together. "North Bay is a place of incredible spirit and resilience. I've seen firsthand how neighbours support one another, how ideas grow into action, and how our shared values shape the future we're building. I want to continue being part of the journey to help amplify voices and foster collaboration. "I look forward to continuing the conversations that matter most to residents and to offering a thoughtful and collaborative approach to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Together, we can keep moving our city forward." Mayor Peter Chirico, Councillor Mac Bain, Councillor Chris Mayne, and Councillor Lana Mitchell did not respond.