Hammonds Plains councillor running for mayor of Halifax

Pam Lovelace, the regional councillor for Hammonds Plains-St. Margarets, has announced she is running for mayor of Halifax.

She launched her campaign on Friday at Mount Saint Vincent University, her alma mater.

Lovelace says she will work with provincial and federal governments to increase affordable housing and infrastructure. She said improving services for rural and suburban areas is also a priority.

"I know what it's like to not have a home or a roof over my head," she said. "I know what it's like to experience gender-based violence. I know what it's like to live in a very precarious situation, and too many people are living and experiencing that right now."

Lovelace was first elected in 2020. She was deputy mayor from 2021-2022.

Her announcement comes on the heels of CBRM Mayor Amanda McDougall-Merrill announcing she wouldn't run again. McDougall-Merrill said threats and abuse played a part in her decision.

"It's a very difficult position to be in, especially if you have young children who may be seeing and witnessing that abuse online," Lovelace said.

"But I feel like the only way to address the level of abuse is to hit it straight on. So I'm ready to be that person that inspires more people to get their name on the ballot."

Prior to politics, Lovelace worked in communications and project management.

Municipal election day is Oct. 19. Mike Savage announced earlier this year he would not be on the ballot.