Whitehorse Mayor Laura Cabott won't seek re-election this fall

Whitehorse Mayor Laura Cabott says she won't be running for another term on city council in this fall's municipal election. 

"After six years, and considering the next term would be a four-year commitment, I just felt that it was time to close that chapter of my life and move on to some other projects," Cabott said, adding she's been mulling over the decision for a few months.

"It was a difficult decision, but I think it's the right decision for me at this time, and for someone to step up and ... put their all into a job that is probably one of the best that's out there."

Cabott, a lawyer, was elected mayor of the Yukon capital in October 2021, defeating two other candidates by a healthy margin. Before that, she had served one three-year term as a city councillor.

"I have absolutely enjoyed it. It's been an honour," she said.

Cabott cited several things she's proud of from her time as mayor, including new housing initiatives, an updated transit system, and the response to "unexpected emergencies," such as escarpment landslides, nearby wildfires, and power outages.

She said building relations with other governments, including the federal, territorial and First Nations governments, have also been a high point. 

"I'm very proud of the work that we've done there," she said.

Even the challenges — like passing and sticking to a budget — had a positive side, she said.

"I have to [give] kudos to my fellow council members that we were able to work through maybe some, you know, more challenging times, but continue to get the work done, to continue to have respectful debate," she said.

As for advice she'd give to anyone else thinking of running, she said she'd suggest they absolutely go for it — but be prepared for a tough job.

"It is all-consuming and requires your full presence most of the year-round," she said.

Cabott said she will chair her last meeting as mayor on September 23. The next city election is in October.