Former city councillor and mayoral candidate Dave Birtwistle has died.
The city made the announcement on its web site Friday morning. Flags at city hall have been lowered to half mast.
"It was with great sorrow that I learned last night of the passing of former member of Guelph City Council David Birtwistle. City flags have been lowered to half mast in his honour," said Mayor Cam Guthrie in the post on the city's web site.
Birtwistle was a two-term councillor for Ward 4, from 2000 to 2006. In 2010 he ran for mayor, finishing in second place behind winner Karen Farbridge.
He also ran unsuccessfully as a councillor in Ward 4 in 1997 and 2006.
"Throughout his tenure, David was a stalwart for fiscal responsibility, reducing debt levels, and respecting taxpayers’ dollars. He championed issues such as healing the relationship between the City of Guelph and the County of Wellington. After leaving politics, David remained an engaged and active citizen, frequently writing to my office and commenting on local news," Guthrie said.
"There is no doubt that David cared deeply for Ward 4 and the entire city. His service as a councillor representing Ward 4, and the issues he championed at the Council horseshoe, made a significant positive contribution to our city."
