van Holst seeks re-election to council seat — not running for mayor
Michael van Holst attends city hall to file papers seeking re-election to his Ward 1 council seat, July 18, 2022. (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London)
After exploring a possible run for the mayor’s office last month, Michael van Holst has decided to seek re-election to the council seat representing Ward 1.
On Monday morning, the incumbent filed his paperwork with the elections office at city hall.
“Being mayor is an all-consuming time commitment and my family preferred that I not take on that role,” he told CTV News.
van Holst adds that if re-elected, he believes he can still be effective as a city councillor, “In terms of voting, councillors and the mayor [each] have one vote and so I’ve been able to use that to move the needle forward.”
van Holst was first elected to council in 2014.
Earlier this year, Integrity Commissioner Gregory Stewart found van Holst violated four counts of the Council Code of Conduct for promoting his creed, dubbed The Order of Freedom, as an exemption to COVID-19 vaccination policies at city hall.
Londoners go to the polls Oct. 24.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Can the U.S. really make Canada the 51st state?
Talk of Canada becoming the 51st American state has raised an existential question on this side of the border: Could it be done? Could the maple leaf make way to the stars and stripes? According to several experts, it may be possible, but not painless.
Firefighters battle to control devastating Los Angeles wildfires as ferocious winds calm somewhat
A fast-moving fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday night, threatening one of Los Angeles' most iconic spots as firefighters battled to get under control three other major blazes that killed five people, put 130,000 people under evacuation orders and ravaged communities from the Pacific Coast to inland Pasadena.
NEW
NEW Tipping guide to Canada: When, where and how much to tip for restaurants, taxis and more
CTVNews.ca has created an entirely unofficial guide to tipping in Canada to help visitors, newcomers and curious Canadians navigate the shifting social norms of when, where and how much to tip.
Canada could impose tariffs on U.S. steel, orange juice in response to Trump threat
Canadian officials are narrowing a list of American products to target in the event the federal government must respond to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, CTV News has confirmed.
U.S. says it has no plans to increase military presence in Greenland
The United States has no current plans to increase its military presence in Greenland, the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen said on Thursday, after President-elect Donald Trump expressed renewed interest in acquiring the vast Arctic island.
Missing hiker thanks rescuers after surviving 13 days on two granola bars in Australian national park
A 23-year-old hiker who survived 13 days lost in the Australian wilderness after randomly finding two granola bars has thanked his rescuers for enduring "tough conditions" to find him.
Prince William praises his wife Kate as he wishes her a happy birthday
Prince William praised the strength of the Princess of Wales after a turbulent year, offering a 43rd birthday wish on social media on Thursday that described her as an incredible wife and mother.
Canadians want Ottawa and provinces to team up against Trump tariff threats: Nanos survey
A majority of Canadians want Ottawa and the provinces to team up against U.S. tariff threats, according to a new survey by Nanos Research.
Overdose deaths in Ontario increasingly involve more than one drug, new report says
An increasing number of overdose deaths in Ontario involves the use of more than one drug, with the combination of opioids and stimulants proving to be especially dangerous, a new report says.
Kitchener
-
Canada could impose tariffs on U.S. steel, orange juice in response to Trump threat
Canadian officials are narrowing a list of American products to target in the event the federal government must respond to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, CTV News has confirmed.
-
City council to discuss next steps to finalize redevelopment of former Stratford factory
After sitting empty for 50 years, the City of Stratford is moving closer to redeveloping the former location of the Grand Trunk Railways shop.
-
Pedestrian dies after crash involving Guelph city bus
A pedestrian has died after a crash involving a city bus in Guelph.
Barrie
-
Increased police presence in Georgian Bluffs
Police are asking people to avoid the downtown area of Sussex Square.
-
Over $65,000 in stolen goods seized during Alliston raid: OPP
Ontario Provincial Police executed a search warrant at a Boyne Street property in New Tecumseth, uncovering over $65,000 worth of allegedly stolen items, including a Kubota diesel side-by-side and various tools, dirt bikes, and equipment.
-
Colts reschedule cancelled game with Kingston Frontenacs
The Ontario Hockey League has rescheduled a gamed cancelled due to snow squalls in Barrie last Saturday.
Windsor
-
OPP Commissioner explains 'significant role' in new border measures
The Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police believes they can play a significant role in border security but said more resources will be needed for long-term sustainability.
-
Would updated MPAC assessments lead to skyrocketing property tax hikes?
Some residents may assume that a sharp rise in property values would lead to an equivalent increase in property taxes, but that's not the case. Here’s how it works.
-
One injured, Ontario Premier Doug Ford unharmed after Highway 401 collision
Ontario Premier Doug Ford was uninjured after an OPP vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on Highway 401 earlier today.
Northern Ontario
-
One injured, Ontario Premier Doug Ford unharmed after Highway 401 collision
Ontario Premier Doug Ford was uninjured after an OPP vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on Highway 401 earlier today.
-
North Bay man charged with assault inside a vehicle
North Bay police say an argument escalated to assault and property damage when a man refused to get out of a vehicle after getting a ride.
-
'True when I said it, true today': former Canadian PM Harper pushes back against Trump on social media
Former prime minister Stephen Harper doesn’t find U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s jibes about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state very amusing.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Provincial police investigating suspicious death on St. Joseph Island, near Sault Ste. Marie
Provincial police are investigating what they are calling "a suspicious death" on St. Joseph Island, near Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
-
Sault man charged in weekend stabbing
A 26-year-old man from Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon following a stabbing in the city over the weekend.
-
Northern Ontario-based comedy series Shoresy announces Season 4 premiere date
The premiere date for Season 4 of Jared Keeso's original hit comedy series Shoresy has been announced along with the show's renewal for a fifth season.
Ottawa
-
Elgin Street restaurant closes after 18 years in Ottawa's Centretown neighbourhood
St. Louis Bar and Grill has closed its doors on Elgin Street in Ottawa's Centretown neighbourhood, after serving customers for 18 years.
-
Canada as the 51st State: Americans in Watertown, N.Y. react
Watertown, N.Y. is a border city where opinions on Canada potentially becoming the 51st U.S. state are as diverse as the people themselves. New Yorkers living in the city about an hour south of the border are weighing in on the idea, with many sharing mixed emotions.
-
Here's a first look at the proposed Tewin development in Ottawa's southeast end
Ottawa residents are getting their first glimpse at plans for the Tewin development, the proposed development in the city's southeast end with homes for approximately 35,000 people.
Toronto
-
Will Toronto become Canada's most expensive housing market in 2025?
This year could be the year Toronto takes the crown for the most expensive real estate market in the country.
-
Pedestrian dies after being struck by vehicle in North York
A pedestrian is dead after they were struck by a vehicle in North York Thursday morning.
-
Toronto man says he had to replace 2024 electric truck battery after 3,000 kilometres
A Toronto man said he wanted to do his part for the environment and support his green energy related business by switching over to an all-electric pick-up truck.
Montreal
-
Two Quebec planes and their crews helping fight devastating L.A. wildfires
A pair of Quebec water bombers and their crews are in California helping fight the massive wildfires tearing through the Los Angeles area
-
Montreal Victoire edge Toronto Sceptres 4-2 in first PWHL game in Vancouver
Marie-Philip Poulin scored twice as her Montreal Victoire downed the Toronto Sceptres 4-2 in the first Professional Women's Hockey League game in Vancouver.
-
Man dies after conflict degenerates in Longueuil
A man in his 50s is dead after a conflict degenerated into an assault in Longueuil on Montreal's South Shore.
Atlantic
-
Police arrest wanted man suspected in two N.S. homicides
Police have arrested a New Brunswick man wanted for the deaths of two people in Nova Scotia last month.
-
Daughter of N.S. woman killed in Edmonton speaks out
Abigail Robson is mourning the death of her mother Ashley Burke, who was killed in Edmonton, Alta, in an act of intimate partner violence.
-
Crews working to fix broken water main in Dartmouth
Crews continue to work on a broken water main in the Burnside area of Dartmouth, N.S., Thursday morning.
Winnipeg
-
Winnipeg hospital death to be investigated as critical incident
The recent death of a man waiting for care in a Winnipeg hospital’s emergency department is being investigated as a critical incident.
-
Protesters block heavy equipment from entering Lemay Forest; trees still being cut down
It's full-blown Lemayhem in St. Norbert. On Wednesday morning, protesters blocked the road to Lemay Forest in an effort to stop more tree cutting in the area.
-
Police chief’s remains believed to be found in fire aftermath
The remains of Manitoba First Nation Police Service’s (MFNPS) leader are believed to have been found following a fire at his home.
Calgary
-
Sentencing hearing begins for men convicted of leading Coutts blockade
A sentencing hearing is set to start today for three men convicted of helping co-ordinate a blockade at the Canada-U.S. border at Coutts, Alta., in protest of COVID-19 rules and restrictions.
-
Judge upholds controversial citywide rezoning changes; review application dismissed
Calgary's controversial citywide rezoning changes have been upheld by a judge. The decision, by Justice Michael Lema, was released on Wednesday.
-
'True when I said it, true today': former Canadian PM Harper pushes back against Trump on social media
Former prime minister Stephen Harper doesn’t find U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s jibes about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state very amusing.
Edmonton
-
'This isn't just my mom's story,' says daughter of woman allegedly killed by partner
Abigail Robson says she moved from Nova Scotia to Alberta as a young girl with her mother 10 years ago for a fresh start.
-
ATA warns standardized testing will cause 'stress and anxiety' for kindergarteners
Kindergarteners in the province will receive standardized testing for the first time this month, something the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) says will negatively impact both teachers and students.
-
'It's not substantial': ER doctor says new health-care leadership does nothing to solve current crisis in acute care
Alberta has named two temporary chief executive officers in the shifting acute health-care system, a move one Edmonton emergency medicine specialist says does little to address the current crisis in front-line medicine.
Regina
-
Saskatchewan RCMP head reflects on the complex challenges, successes of 2024
From the scourge of the addictions crisis to managing recruitment and enforcement in rural areas, the Saskatchewan RCMP had a busy 2024.
-
Regina murder suspect who appeared on national most wanted list arrested
The Regina Police Service (RPS) has arrested a suspect that appeared on Canada's Top 25 Most Wanted list – in relation to a homicide that occurred in May of 2024.
-
NEW
NEW Tipping guide to Canada: When, where and how much to tip for restaurants, taxis and more
CTVNews.ca has created an entirely unofficial guide to tipping in Canada to help visitors, newcomers and curious Canadians navigate the shifting social norms of when, where and how much to tip.
Saskatoon
-
'You're killing them inside': Sask. hockey referee blows the whistle on verbal abuse of young officials
A Saskatchewan hockey referee is gaining widespread attention after posting a video on social media telling coaches and parents to “do better.”
-
Sask. man missing since Christmas found dead
A 50-year-old man from Prince Albert, reported missing on Christmas Eve, was found dead Wednesday.
-
Saskatoon residents oppose cell tower precedent
SaskTel is proposing a new cell tower placed on the corner of a Saskatoon park to improve coverage and network capacity, but nearby residents say it’s too close to their homes, and against City of Saskatoon policy.
Vancouver
-
Fewer paramedics on shift as BC Ambulance millions over budget
BC Emergency Health Services is cracking down on overtime in a cost-cutting measure, leaving more ambulances than usual unstaffed as front-line workers fear patients will face even longer delays.
-
B.C. Conservative leader alleges voting irregularities in critical Surrey-Guildford riding
John Rustad, the leader of the B.C. Conservative Party, says his party has uncovered what he calls voting irregularities in the critical Surrey-Guildford riding – where the margin of victory was just 22, and which gave the provincial New Democratic Party its majority.
-
Convicted Jan. 6 rioter arrested as fugitive in Whistler, B.C.
An American citizen convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill who said he was seeking asylum in Canada has been arrested as a "fugitive from U.S. justice," according to authorities.
Vancouver Island
-
Fewer paramedics on shift as BC Ambulance millions over budget
BC Emergency Health Services is cracking down on overtime in a cost-cutting measure, leaving more ambulances than usual unstaffed as front-line workers fear patients will face even longer delays.
-
B.C. Conservative leader alleges voting irregularities in critical Surrey-Guildford riding
John Rustad, the leader of the B.C. Conservative Party, says his party has uncovered what he calls voting irregularities in the critical Surrey-Guildford riding – where the margin of victory was just 22, and which gave the provincial New Democratic Party its majority.
-
Convicted Jan. 6 rioter arrested as fugitive in Whistler, B.C.
An American citizen convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill who said he was seeking asylum in Canada has been arrested as a "fugitive from U.S. justice," according to authorities.
