What was a race of one is now two for Colwood's next mayor.

Coun. Carol Hamilton added her bid for council's top spot Friday, joining Coun. David Saunders on the mayor's slate. While Saunders has publicly referenced his bid since May and officially launched it Oct. 8, Hamilton waited until the final day of nominations to announce her position.

"It wasn't meant to be a surprise," she said. "I heard from the community that at the end of the day there would be a choice (for mayor). It's a democratic process — in order for that to take place one has to have a choice."

Like Saunders, Hamilton has served one term on council. Her commitments include chairing the administration committee, involvement with protective services and parks and recreation, as well as several other advisory groups. The current council has started a lot of projects that need to be seen through in order to ensure the community gets what was promised them, she said.

"We are going to see some of the fall out of the economic fall out worldwide," she said. "It's going to need some prudent watching on where the limited funds the city has to operate are spent."

The notion of running for mayor has been with Hamilton since the last election, she said.

"There is a lot to be thought about," she said. "I think I can get the job done with respect and consideration to all the people on that council."

Saunders is chair of planning and transportation and vice-chair of the finance committee. Among several Capital Regional District appointments, he also sits on the the Royal Roads University Legacy Campaign.

"I'm excited that there is now a mayor's race," he said. "I didn't want to get in by acclamation."

The challenge for Colwood's next leaders will be balancing sustainable advancements with what is affordable, he said, noting sewers and the City's debt load are key issues.

Nominations for mayor and council closed Friday in a flood of candidates — nine candidates waited until the last day to declare their desire to be on council. They include current councillors Cynthia Day, Gordie Logan and Ernie Roberston. New to the table are candidates Judith Cullington, Sarah Galbraith, Connie Harrigan, Paul McCallum, Vick Siu, Brian Tucknott and Shaun Wysiecki.

"It just shows there is interest in our city," Saunders said of the ballot list.

Municipal elections are Nov. 15 with advance polls Nov. 5 and 12.

reporter@goldstreamgazette