City of North Vancouver mayor says he won't seek re-election

After 24years in municipal politics, the City ofNorth Vancouver's mayor won't seek another term this fall.

On Tuesday, Darrel Mussatto announced he wouldn't be running for re-election on Oct. 20so he could take on "new challenges" instead.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to serve our community," Mussattowrote in a statement. "Now it is time to move on to new challenges and I do so knowing that our city is in good hands and up for the future ahead.It has been a real honour and I feel blessed."

The politician has served four terms as mayor, havingpreviously spent 12 years as a city councillor.

Mussatto is known for his push towarda more sustainable city and to densify the Lonsdaledistrict.

Last year, he proposed a SkyTraintunnel under the Burrard Inlet to ease the gridlock on North Shore bridges. He also travelled to Norway to test a bike escalator he first saw on YouTube, bringing the idea to city council as an idea to encourage more people to cycle.

In his statement, Mussattothanked his colleagues and described them as "an amazingly dedicated and talented group of individuals."

He also expressed gratitude to his family.

"My family has been there through it all and continue to support me despite the missed holidays and special family moments," he said. "Last but not least, my girlfriend Yavanna has been patient and understanding throughout it all and I owe her a great debt."

Mussattodefeated newcomers Kerry Morris and George Pringlefor re-election in 2014.

Including Mussatto, there are now sevenMetro Vancouver who have decided not to run again this fall: Gregor Robertson from Vancouver, Lois Jackson from Delta, RedSchafferfrom the City of Langley, Nicole Read from Maple Ridge and Greg Moore from Port Coquitlam.