Mayor Colin Kinsley will not seek re-election in the fall.

He announced he is retiring from public life at the North Central Municipal Association (NCMA) opening ceremonies Thursday morning.

Kinsley is currently in his fourth term as mayor and spent three terms as a city councillor prior to being elected as mayor in 1996.

"I will not be seeking re-election this fall. It's time for me to make way for new leadership," an emotional Kinsley said. "I've had the best job in Canada. It's been a labour of love."

Kinsley received a standing ovation from the gathered delegates, which included provincial cabinet ministers, mayors, councillors and city administrators from across northern B.C.

"I've been at it for 21 years. I just felt it was time to move on," he said.

Kinsley said he plans to spend more time with family and take time for himself.

"It's seven days a week. You're never away from your Blackberry," he said. "I will probably go back into the private sector – but no rush."

He has no plans to seek a provincial or federal nomination, he added.

The struggling forestry sector and diversification of the economy will likely be major challenges for whoever takes up the reins as mayor, he said.

"I don't think the U.S. housing market is going to recover as quickly as some pundits think. I don't think enough has been done," he said. "The new mayor is going to have to work on the transportation sector. It's going to be a big job."

Prince George and the North have seen many developments and successes during his time in office, Kinsley said.

UNBC, the Northern Medical Program, Northern Medical Trust, Prince George cancer clinic, twinning of the Simon Fraser Bridge, replacement of the Cameron Street Bridge, container terminal in Prince Rupert, intermodal facility in Prince George and extension of the Prince George Airport runway were some of the initiatives he mentioned.

Former city councillor Dan Rogers, who lost the mayoralty election to Kinsley in 2005 in a closely run race, said he will consider running again.

"I want to spend some time and talk to my family," Rogers said. "(But) I think it's extremely important to recognize and support Colin today. He's shown... tremendous commitment to this community."

Current city councilor Don Zurowski said he will announce his intentions to run or not run for mayor in September.

"The less future speculation in council chambers, the better it works," Zurowski said. "There is a decision to make and my family, friends and supports will make that decision."

Improving the city's air quality and developing new strategies for revitalizing the downtown will be high on his priority list for the coming term.

"I'm interested in getting in front of the opportunities."