'I'm ready to retire': Chris Spearman looks back on eight years in office
It's been nearly eight years to the day since Chris Spearman was first elected as Lethbridge's 25th mayor.
But, all things must come to an end, and that was made clear when Spearman announced earlier this year that he would not be running for re-election in 2021.
After two terms, Spearman says he's excited for retirement and being able to spend more time with his family.
"I look forward to, kind of, getting my life back, spending more time with my friends and family, and looking after my health more," Spearman told CTV News.
"I'm at that point in my life where I think I'm ready to retire and I'm super happy about that decision."
Over the past eight years, Spearman and council made much needed upgrades to multiple city-run facilities like the Henderson Pool, Henderson Baseball Stadium and the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens.
In addition, they attracted Lethbridge's largest private investment in the Cavendish Farms expansion in 2019 when they opened the $430 million frozen potato processing plant.
They were also able to complete the new ATB Centre in 2019, the largest municipal project in Lethbridge's history which cost around $155 million.
"I think we've accomplished a lot in the last eight years as a council during my time as mayor and I'd like to thank my council colleagues," said Spearman.
However, Spearman says he's most proud of the lengths they've went for reconciliation with Indigenous communities in the City of Lethbridge.
Spearman says he's most proud of the length's they've went for reconciliation with indigenous communities in the City of Lethbridge.
Between adopting 'Oki' as the city's official greeting and raising the Blackfoot flag permanently in front of city hall, it's a legacy Spearman is proud to leave behind.
"The progress we've made with our Indigenous neighbours and Indigenous residents, moving forward on truth and reconciliation, really has been game-changing and we're changing attitudes in the city," he said.
With the new mayor getting voted in on Monday's municipal election, Spearman had one final message for his successor.
"I wish the next mayor all the luck in the world," Spearman said.
"We all love this city, we all want what's best for this city and I know everybody who gets elected on Monday is going to do their best to make Lethbridge a better place to be."
For more information on the Oct.18 municipal election, visit the City of Lethbridge's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.