There will be a new mayor of Plympton-Wyoming following the October municipal election.
After serving as the top elected official since 2006, Lonny Napper has announced he won't be seeking re-election as he nears his 80th birthday.
He said it's been an honour to be able to serve his community and said he has some very fond memories.
"When we got the sewers into Plympton-Wyoming, that was a big happening there and I was chair of the amalgamation of Plympton-Wyoming," he said. "We would negotiate the library in Camlachie and the park. The health centre has been one of my biggest achievements. I was very proud to have been on the steering committees of the health centres in Forest, Petrolia and Wyoming."
Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Lonny Napper awaits the arrival of Ollie. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)
Napper said another highlight was his time serving as deputy warden, under Steve Arnold during the 2011-2012 term. He also enjoyed putting together his mayor's honours list with his late wife Carolyn.
"It was something that we both worked together on and we had 150 to 200 people on that over the years and it was really something that we truly enjoyed. I just appreciate all of the support from people over the years, I've been very fortunate."
He said he's built strong relationships with staff and CAOs past and present.
"I can't thank them enough, they looked after the old man pretty good a lot of times. I told my council the other night, that I wish them all well but don't screw up and make me want to come back," he joked. "I made the announcement now to make room and let everyone know that the mayor's seat is open."
Napper's career in politics began in 1988 when he served as a councillor in Plympton Township.
He plans to catch up with his family, including his daughter who lives in Wisconsin, and spend time volunteering at Lambton Meadowview Villa.