North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico announced Friday that he’s not running in the October municipal election. Chirico, who was first elected in 2022, was beset by an expenses scandal related to his use of the corporate credit card. He later agreed to repay expenses he charged to the card – which included items such as dog food and cigarettes. A review by the city’s integrity commissioner determined that $5,557.77 of the $17,253.01 of the expenses he claimed violated the code of conduct, including $2,192.96 for golf expenditures and $3,166.50 for season tickets for the North Bay Battalion. Time for a change The issue was later investigated by police, but no charges were pursued. In a statement Aug. 21, the deadline to file for municipal office, Chirico said “he believes the time is right to conclude his service in elected office and allow new leadership to step forward.” “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my community and for the trust that residents and supporters have placed in me,” he said in the statement. “Serving in this role has been an honour and I am proud of what we have accomplished together in this term and four terms on council. I remain committed to supporting our community and working on its behalf through the remainder of my term.” Chirico thanked his “family, residents, colleagues, community organizations and everyone who has supported him throughout his time in public service.” “While he will not be a candidate in 2026, he said he looks forward to continuing to serve the community and helping ensure a smooth transition to the next generation of leadership,” the statement said. The municipal election is Oct. 26. As of late Friday afternoon, five people have registered to run for mayor.
