After 23 years in municipal politics, Coun. Mac Bain calls it quits
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Skip to ContentNewsLocal NewsProvincialCanadaWorldSpecial-SectionsSportsSports BettingLocal SportsBaseballBasketballFootballCurlingHockeyOther SportsAuto RacingEntertainmentLocal EntertainmentMoviesMusicTelevisionBooksGamingCelebritiesLifeTravelFoodHealthComicsPuzzlesAdviceOpinionEditorialColumnLettersAll NewspapersAdvertisingAdvertising With UsAdvertising SolutionsPostmedia Ad ManagerSponsorship RequestsClassifiedsObituariesLives ToldBusiness AdsJobsDrivingHealthingPuzzmoDiversionsPuzzlesComicsNewslettersProfileSettingsMy SubscriptionsNewslettersCustomer ServiceFAQNewsSportsEntertainmentLifeOpinionAll NewspapersBusiness AdsJobsDrivingHealthingPuzzmoNewslettersNewsLocal NewsAfter 23 years in municipal politics, Coun. Mac Bain calls it quitsPublished Aug 03, 2026•2 minute readGaétan Malette, MP for Kapuskasing-Timmins-Mushkegowuk, left, enjoys a chat Tuesday with Mac Bain, executive director of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM), centre, and FONOM President, Dave Plourde, (mayor of Kapuskasing), right, before taking to the podium to urge FONOM 2026 delegates to sign his petition to have Highway 11 declared a project of national interest under the Building Canada Act. Coun. Mac Bain, who has served in municipal politics for 23 years, is calling it quits. He announced he is not seeking re-election in October. Photo by Postmedia PhotoCoun. Mac Bain, who has served in municipal politics for 23 years, is calling it quits. The news doesn’t come as a surprise as the veteran city councillor had informed the public numerous times of his intention not to seek re-election in October. Recommended VideosThe upcoming municipal election takes place Oct. 26. Aug. 21 is the final day to have nomination papers filed with the city clerk. “Serving the residents of North Bay has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Bain said in a social media release. “Looking back, I am proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the trust that the community has placed in me over the years. ”He thanked city staff for their dedication and despite some difficult challenges, “they always responded with professionalism, dedication, and a genuine commitment to serving our community. ”“I also want to thank my council colleagues, past and present, especially (former North Bay Mayors) Vic (Fedeli), Al (McDonald), and Peter (Chirico). They supported me as I took on leadership roles with the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) and later the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). Those opportunities allowed me to represent North Bay while helping shape provincial decisions that continue to benefit municipalities across Ontario. ”Bain said the two accomplishments he is most proud of are helping improve the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and supporting the transition to full producer responsibility for Blue Box recycling. “Together, those changes now contribute more than $3 million annually to North Bay’s municipal budget,” he said. “Throughout my time on council, I have believed that Northern Ontario deserves a strong voice at Queen’s Park. Whether advocating for infrastructure, economic development, or municipal sustainability, I have always tried to remind decision-makers that the north is vital to Ontario’s success and a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. ”Bain said over the years he has learned that municipal politics is not about where you sit around the council table. “It is about listening, building relationships, respecting different opinions, and making decisions that benefit the entire community. If I were also able to ease the occasional tense meeting with a little humour, then I am happy I could do that too,” he said. “None of this would have been possible without the support of my family, who accepted the many evenings, weekends, and missed family events that come with public service. I am equally grateful to the Martyn Funeral Home family for their support of my commitment to serving our community over the past four decades. ”Bain thanked his supporters for the opportunity to serve this remarkable community for the past 23 years. “It has been one of the greatest honours of my life, and it is a responsibility I have never taken for granted. I will continue to serve on the North Bay City Council until the end of my current term. ”Join the ConversationThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more aboutcookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to ourTerms of UseandPrivacy Policy.