Burcher Exits Ward 5 Race

Despite registering to run for re-election the first day that nominations were open, Ward 5 Councillor Lise Burcher has decided to withdraw her name from the ballot. Burcher's is the second departure from the Ward 5 race in the last two weeks as Robert Routledge withdrew his candidacy last week citing work commitments. If no other names join the race, this effectively makes the Ward 5 race a fait accompli with only two names on the ballot remaining: incumbent Leanna Piper and former councillor Cathy Downer. Burcher, who is also a landscape architecture professor at the University of Guelph, was elected to council in 2003, and has also served on the Board of Directors for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. The last day to register as a candidate is September 12; the election takes place on October 27.