Robinson decides to not join mayoral race

Walter Robinson, who was widely expected to run for mayor of Ottawa, has officially declared he will not join be joining the race.

Rumours swirled that Robinson, the former head of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, would be jumping into the mayoral race, and several high-profile conservatives had already endorsed his potential candidacy.

In a statement on his website, he said he has been "flattered and humbled" by emails and phone calls from people encouraging him to run.

• EXTERNAL LINK: Walter Robinson's website

Robinson ran for the federal seat of Ottawa-Orlans in 2004, but lost.

He now works in the biopharmaceutical industry and volunteers in the community.

Robinson is refusing to speak to the media about his decision.

Former city councillor Alex Munter, previous challenger Terry Kilrea, and Don Rivington have already joined the race against current Mayor Bob Chiarelli.

The municipal election is scheduled for Nov. 13.