Wallaceburg’s representation on Chatham-Kent Council will look very different this time next year.
Both Ward 5 councillors, Carmen McGregor and Aaron Hall, have announced that they will not seek another term in the next municipal election.
McGregor, who was first elected in 2014 and is serving her third term, said it felt like the right time.
“I think it’s probably time to pass the baton. You have to encourage other people to get in and run, and I hope we have some really good community-minded people [who] want to run for the position,” she said.
Hall, who is serving his second term on council, called it a personal decision and said it has always been his plan not to exceed two terms.
“I think it’s healthy for a community to have some new representation, some new energy, some new perspectives. I think that will be good for Wallaceburg to have some blood around the council horseshoe,” said Hall. “We have some great leaders in our community that I think would be well-suited for the job.
“Hopefully, a couple of them will step up.”
Hall added that he thought it was important to let the public know his plans in advance, however, that doesn’t mean he will be resting on his laurels.
“The job is not over. There’s almost a whole year left, and I don’t want people to think that I’m packing it in early,” said Hall. “There are still decisions to be made and work to be done.”
McGregor said she would be willing to answer questions and provide assistance to those who intend to run to fill her seat on council.
“I’m more than happy to work with anybody that is interested in improving and moving our community forward,” she said.
The upcoming municipal election will take place on October 26, 2026.