Edmonton city council veteran Ed Gibbons won't seek re-election

Five-term Edmonton city councillor Ed Gibbons won't run in the Oct. 16 municipal election.

He announced his intention at a news conference Wednesday.

"It is a bittersweet announcement for me," Gibbons said. "It has been a great honour and privilege to serve the citizens of Edmonton as a member of Edmonton city council for over five terms."

Gibbons, 68, was first elected to city council in 2001 representing Ward 3. He began representing Ward 4 after the ward boundaries were redistributed.

"Four more years is tough. Four years is good for a first-time councillor," he said. "After 16 years, four years is a long time."

Gibbons made his start in community service as a hockey coach, which he credits for eventually leading to a life in politics.

"I was the jock, I wasn't the reader and every school teacher I had would probably chuckle at the fact that I had to read so much in my life since," said Gibbons.

About 15 people have stopped by his office to talk about running in the next election, he added. So far, seven people have registered to run in Ward 4.

Gibbons and Ward 9 Coun. Bryan Anderson are the only two members of council not seeking re-election.

Prior to running for a seat on city council, Gibbons was a Liberal member of the Alberta legislature for one term, representing the riding of Edmonton-Manning.

During his time as councillor, Gibbons was involved in a range of projects, including the 118th Avenue revitalization, development of Borden Park and the revitalization of the Fort Road area.

"I will certainly miss serving Edmonton as a city councillor," Gibbons said in the release. "I look forward to continuing my service to this great city in other capacities."