Long-serving mayor of Ontario town considers retirement

A mayor who has been at the helm of an Ontario town for 20 years may not run for re-election this fall.

Rob Burton, who was first elected mayor of Oakville in 2006, has made it no secret that he is contemplating retirement.

Burton has recently raised the question of his future at several public events and also posted a message about it on Facebook.

“I have not decided if I’m going to run again in the upcoming municipal election. I’m going to take some time to consider alternatives and options to determine what’s best for the town, my family, and myself,” he said.

Candidates have until Aug. 21 to register to run in the municipal elections scheduled for Oct. 26.

Burton turns 80 years old in 2026.

The mayor has indicated that if he indeed decides not to seek re-election, he will still be involved in the community through his residents’ association.

Prior to public office, Burton had a career as a businessman, director, and producer in journalism, film, and television by creating the YTV network. He holds a Master of Science degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.