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David Kirton, city councillor for Ward 3 in Saskatoon, is closing the curtain on his political career after a single term in office.
On Tuesday, Kirton announced in a news release that he will not seek re-election in the municipal election planned for Nov. 13.
Kirton, 70, said he’s getting older and doesn’t feel he has the strength required for another term.
“I’m moving up in years in that sense, and there’s been so many gratifying moments and challenging moments. I think it takes a very special breed of people to be a city councillor. I don’t feel like I have that strength to do that, and it’s been tiring,” Kirton explained.
“There’s been some very hard issues that I’ve had to deal with in Ward 3, and so I’m just looking forward to what that next chapter in my life is going to be.”
One of those tough issues he’s had to deal with has been the shelter in Fairhaven, which has been a source of controversy in his ward.
David Kirton speaks to 650 CKOM outside City Hall. (650 CKOM file photo)
“To be honest with you, it’s been a frustration in terms of what’s happened in Fairhaven,” he said.
“There are people with valid concerns about the people, (but) the shelter is needed and you can’t shut it down. I’ve said this for more than a year that the number of beds needs to be reduced in that shelter so it’s sustainable within a neighbourhood.”
Kirton said he wishes he could have done more to help the city’s most vulnerable residents.
“The whole issue of homelessness and vulnerable people has been one that’s been so slow moving and so complicated and that’s been a frustration to not be able to help the people who really need help,” Kirton added.
“We’ve got to come together as a city to help and work with these vulnerable people. We can’t be chasing these shelters away and can’t be opposing them and making decisions about that even before we had all of the information, so there’s one frustration.”
Asked what he’s most proud of from his time on council, Kirton said it’s still too early to say, but said two projects stand out for him.
“I’m proud that we’ve gotten the Downtown Entertainment and Event District started. I think that’s going to change the city into a city where people want to live and play,” he said.
“I’m proud to have taken the initiative to change the name (of John A. Macdonald Road) to Miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road. The reason I’m proud is because I went to a ceremony the day that they put up the new sign, and I was in the school gym at wâhkôhtowin School, and to see the amazing glee and happiness in the eyes, it was an amazing afternoon. It showed me that maybe we can make a difference in people’s lives. I believe it was a move in the right direction.”
Kirton, who spent 43 years in broadcasting – including with 650 CKOM – before entering politics, called his time as a councillor humbling.
“I did start at a weird time, because we were in the midst of a pandemic. For a year and a half, all meetings were virtual. I didn’t get much of a chance in the first year and a half to really know my colleagues and the administration,” he explained.
“It was everything and more than what I expected it to be, and I covered civic politics for a lot of my journalism life. You think you know a lot as you cover it, but we don’t. We don’t know near as much as what you need to know as a city councillor.”
Kirton credited Mayor Charlie Clark – who is also not running again this fall – for his leadership throughout his term. He had nothing but praise for everyone else on council and the city’s administration.
After politics, Kirton said he doesn’t have any immediate plans. For now, he said he wants to spend more time with his family and his dog, Phil the Newshound.
After politics, Kirton said he plans to spend more time with his family and his dog, Phil the Newshound. (David Kirton Ward 3/Facebook)
