Peterborough mayor Diane Therrien has temporarily stepped down for health reasons, and has asked deputy mayor Andrew Beamer to act on her behalf.
Therrien issued a statement a few minutes shy of 6 p.m. on Monday (February 14), just before a general committee meeting of city council was set to begin.
“Today, I asked Councillor Andrew Beamer, Deputy Mayor for the City of Peterborough to temporarily take on the role of acting mayor,” Therrien wrote. “I am taking a leave of absence, effective immediately, to address my personal health.”
Therrien did not provide any further details about her personal health in the statement.
“While it pains me to step away from my responsibilities as our community continues to deal with the impacts of COVID, I deeply appreciate Deputy Mayor Beamer’s willingness to step up as well as my fellow councillors for filling in as they are able,” she wrote. “I know the important work of the city will continue in my absence, and I look forward to re-joining you all soon.”
Therrien did not attend the general committee meeting. At the end of the meeting, Beamer acknowledged her leave of absence.
“The mayor has our complete support while she takes the time that she needs,” Beamer said. “When Mayor Therrien is ready, she will resume her role as mayor of the city of Peterborough.”
In November, Therrien announced she would not be seeking re-election when voters go the polls in the next municipal election on October 24, 2022, and did not intend to seek another level of political office.
This story has been updated to correct a typo in the final aragraph.
