Carol Anne Meehan Not Seeking Re-Election This Fall

By Charlie Senack, Barrhaven Independent

After initially registering to run in Barrhaven East, Gloucester-South Nepean councillor Carol Anne Meehan says she won’t be seeking re-election

It was a difficult decision for the former CTV Ottawa News anchor to make, but at a crucial point in her life, she wanted a change. 

“With my youngest off to university this fall, I am now at a stage in my life that it’s possible to consider tackling different pursuits and checking off items on my bucket list,” Meehan wrote in a statement Monday morning. 

“Interesting, rewarding, and challenging” is how Meehan described her four years in office. She won Gloucester-South Nepean in the last election with about 43 per cent of the vote, beating incumbent Michael Qaqish. 

“I have enjoyed advocating for and being an independent and vocal voice around the Council table,” said Meeahan. “Ottawa is on the cusp of an exciting new chapter. Next term there will be a new Mayor and many new Councillors and I am confident those who are making the tough decision to seek election have the best interests of their communities in mind. I wish them all well.”

This election ward boundaries are changing with Riverside South-Findlay Creek becoming one section and Barrhaven East becoming another. 

Current names on the ballot in Barrhaven East include former OC Transpo bus driver turned communications specialist Wilson Lo — who is now seen as the front runner — Kathleen Caught who is passionate about mental health, and Dominik Janelle who is concerned about affordability. 

Meehan said she will continue to serve her residents until end of term.

Voting day in Ottawa for the next municipal election is October 24, 2022.