By Sarah Kennedy
When Somerset Ward Coun. Elisabeth Arnold announced her candidacy for the 2000 municipal elections following amalgamation, her regional counterpart Diane Holmes stepped aside to support her. Three years later, Arnold is returning the favour.
After nine years as an Ottawa city councillor, during which she spearheaded many proposals to revitalize the downtown, improve public transit and establish affordable housing, Arnold is saying goodbye to politics to pursue of other ambitions.
But she has already cast her vote for her replacement.
“I certainly approached Diane when I made my decision,” says Arnold.
“At first I think she was a little shocked that I wouldn’t be running, but I was delighted when she said in that case she would run.”
After a three-year hiatus from politics, Holmes is itching to get back in.
“I’ve been working away as a volunteer on all kinds of city issues and I rediscovered that city politics are my passion,” she says.
A veteran municipal politician, Holmes was first elected to Ottawa city council in 1982 and became regional councillor for Somerset Ward in 1994.
When the city amalgamated in 2000 and regional council disappeared, the community was suddenly faced with two strong candidates.
But Holmes decided to call it quits, allowing for Arnold to become the sole councillor for Somerset Ward.
Although saddened by her decision, Arnold supporters say if Holmes were to be elected, the vision for Somerset Ward would remain the same.
“Both Diane Holmes and Elisabeth Arnold are cut from the same cloth,” says Bay Ward Coun. Alex Cullen.
“They both care about social issues and environmental concerns. Elisabeth has been a very strong representative for her community and city council is losing a talent but I welcome Diane Holmes back, she’s certainly capable of doing the job.”
Holmes says if elected, she plans to follow through with a lot of Arnold’s initiatives.
“She has worked so hard, keeping the Plant Bath open, (the development of) the pedestrian bridge over the canal and getting more affordable housing built in the downtown district and some of these things are very long-term commitments.”
Holmes also highlights the importance of ensuring the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats, supporting the commercial streets and fighting against schemes to widen the Queensway.
Arnold’s decision to retire from politics came as a surprise especially after her announcement in February that she would not run for the NDP in Ottawa Centre in the upcoming provincial elections in order to focus her energies on seeking re-election to a fourth term on city council.
“I’ve had nine good challenging years and my interests now are in doing other things. I’m hoping to find work in the field of urban sustainability.”
Arnold plans to focus on some of the same issues she worked on with the city but without the “myriad of other responsibilities that come with being a councillor.”
Robert Smythe, chairman of planning and development for the Centretown Citizens’ Community Association, says although the community will miss her, he recognizes the personal sacrifice municipal politics requires.
“I think she’s done a good job but I can understand her reasons for leaving.”
Smyth is relieved that Holmes, also an ally to the association, is vying for the job.
“She’ll continue a lot of the same policies that Elisabeth started. This is good news for the community,” he says.
“The downtown needs a strong representative because it has unique needs. There are not a lot of councillors that recognize those needs.”