Ancaster Coun. Lloyd Ferguson announces he will retire, won't run for re-election

Ancaster Coun. Lloyd Ferguson announced Thursday that he is retiring from public service and will not be a candidate for city council in the next municipal election.

"After 29 years in public service in an elected position here in Ancaster … I think I have earned some me time. I also want to enjoy those grandpa moments," Ferguson said.

Since his election to council in 2006, Ferguson has been both a controversial and outspoken councillor at times.

He criticized the delays with the construction of Tim Hortons Field and said people should not live on a busy street if they don't like traffic. In 2018, Ferguson speculated sundresses kept women from riding bicycles. Two years earlier, he described Colombia as a "backwards country" where the only wealthy people are drug lords. His comment promoted backlash both locally and abroad.

Speaking during a news conference at Forecourt at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, Ferguson highlighted some of the roles he served in during his 29 years of service. They include:

• An elected trustee with the Wentworth County Board of Education for three years.
• 10 years on Ancaster town council.
• 16 years representing the people of Ancaster on Hamilton City Council.

He said his family — parents and brother Murray — have served the residents of Ancaster in various elected positions for 67 years without interruption.

"It's kind of sad for me that it's ending this way but I regularly get told that our family is the Kennedys of Ancaster, and even the Kennedy era eventually came to an end," Ferguson said.

Ferguson, who was the former general manager of Dufferin Construction Company and police board chair, also highlighted some of the capital projects that have been completed during his 16 years on Hamilton city council. These include:

• Acquired property and constructed the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre.
• Re-development of Ancaster Square.
• Heritage restoration of Hammill House as the new home to Ancaster Minor Sports Association offices.
• Renovations to Tisdale House for new Police Museum and Community Policing Centre; Oldest house in Ancaster.
• Spray Pad and Pergola — Village Green Park.
• Reconstruction and addition of new Tennis Courts — Village Green Park.
• Expansion of Lawn Bowling Green.
• New clubhouses for Lawn Bowling and Tennis at Village Green Park.

Nicknamed Frugal Fergie

"I worked hard all 16 years to keep the budget increases to within inflation and I'm proud that that's been done," Ferguson said.

"I've been nicknamed by my council colleagues as Frugal Fergie because I kept driving costs all the time because that's my background in the private sector."

Served Ancaster with honour and distinction, mayor says

Mayor Fred Eisenberger says Ferguson has served his ward in Ancaster, and the City of Hamilton, with honour and distinction.

"His background in construction, combined with his focus on value for money and the bottom line for taxpayers, has been very much appreciated by city staff, other members of council, and many in our community,"  Eisenberger said in a written statement to CBC Hamilton.

"Councillor Ferguson leaves a strong legacy of accomplishments he can be very proud of."

Ferguson said that while he is leaving a life of public service, he is excited to begin a new chapter, surrounded by family, friends and colleagues.

He thanked the residents of Ancaster for their trust in him as their elected representative.

"You have made this job so rewarding as we've worked together to make Ancaster a great place to live, work and play. We made this community home," he said.

4 candidates registered to contest Ward 12 seat

Meanwhile, four candidates have been registered to contest the seat held by Ferguson this October. They are:

• Craig Cassar.
• Robert Maton.
• Megg Markettos
• Karl Hanley.

In addition to Ward 12, wards 4, 5, 11 and 15 are also without an incumbent as councillors Sam Merulla, Russ Powers, Brenda Johnson and Judi Partridge aren't seeking reelection.