Long-time city councillor Janice Lukes won’t run for re-election
Posted June 24, 2026 5:31 pm.
Last Updated June 24, 2026 7:25 pm.
After 12 years of service on city council, Janice Lukes has announced that she won’t be seeking re-election in the Waverly West Ward in the upcoming municipal election this fall.
“The ward is at a great stage to hand off”, said Lukes.
Lukes has served three terms as a councillor and is chair of the Public Works Committee. She’s advocated to rectify unsafe and illegal student housing in her ward, brought more fire and paramedic services to the area, and added more active transportation routes and trails in the city.
“I want to go out on a high note of doing good work, I want to be able to hand it off to someone else and for that person to pick up and run with it, so now is the right time from that perspective, and for me personally, it’s the right time… you um… You know in your heart that in many things in life, this is the right time, and this is the right time,” said Lukes.
“She has been. She’s been a strong ally,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “She’s smart, she’s a great leader, she’s outspoken, and those are all positive attributes, and frankly, the city of Winnipeg needs more city councillors like Janice Lukes.”
Lukes will continue to serve until this fall’s election, when the council seat will be open for new candidates. As for her political future?
“Well, I’ve also learned to never say never, right? So I don’t know, we’ll see what the future holds, we’ll see what the future holds,” said Lukes.
Lukes thanked her supporters and volunteers, contractors and developers, and local businesses as she closed the curtain on her council career.
“Serving south Winnipeg and Waverly West has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and I thank you for the privilege,” said Lukes.
