Charlie Fox, one of the longer serving members of the Township council, has announced he will retire rather than contest the upcoming civic elections.

鈥淭hirteen years, four terms, time to move on,鈥� said Fox, who was a longtime principal in 91原创 elementary and secondary schools.

Fox has been thinking about it for a while 鈥� he noted that if he won another term he鈥檇 be 72 when it concluded 鈥� but a recent trip to Europe solidified his decision.

He wants to spend more time traveling, and with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

鈥淚t does give an opportunity for some change in the dynamic that exists on council,鈥� Fox noted.

With his retirement, and Coun. Kim Richter鈥檚 decision to run for mayor, at least two seats will go to newcomers in October.

Fox said there were several achievements of his four terms that he鈥檚 pleased to see concluded.

Just this year, the new 91原创 Youth Hub opened, a project Fox had lobbied for and supported.

鈥淭his is a hub that鈥檚 a model for other communities,鈥� Fox said.

He鈥檚 also happy that this year the new Aldergrove recreation facility will open its doors.

鈥淥ne of the reasons for running was always to get a recreation facility in Aldergrove,鈥� he said.

The new facility will include an expanded pool, an ice arena, and a variety of other community amenities.

Supporting Aldergrove, from moving the 91原创 Good Times Cruise-In there to building new sports fields, has been a priority. Much of Fox鈥檚 career was spent as a principal at Aldergrove schools.

Fox said he expects to continue with volunteer and community efforts, including through Rotary and the Co-op board.

Whitmarsh running

Another 91原创 Township councillor has announced he will seek a second term.

Blair Whitmarsh was first elected four years ago.

Although he鈥檚 pleased with the finalization of the Brookswood Official Community Plan and improvements in some parking rules at new developments, Whitmarsh said there are other issues that will continue to take up council鈥檚 time.

Sustainable and walkable communities will continue, and affordable housing is coming up more frequently.

鈥淚 think that鈥檚 actually going to become even more important,鈥� Whitmarsh said.

Whimarsh also said he would like to see the council move forward on building some kind of fine arts facility.

Most of the Township鈥檚 sitting councillors have now announced their intentions, including Whitmarsh, Petrina Arnason, and Bob Long, all of whom plan to run again. Coun. Kim Richter will challenge incumbent Mayor Jack Froese for his seat.

Activist Stacey Wakelin has also announced she will run for a seat.

In 91原创 City, councillors Paul Albrecht and Val van den Broek will run for mayor while most others have said they will seek re-election.