'I leave knowing our city's best days lie ahead': Tory reflects on time as mayor in final statement

John Tory wants to be remembered as the mayor who “did the work of keeping this city stable and moving forward.”

John Tory's time as mayor of Toronto has come to an end.

The 68-year-old, who first took office as the city's top elected official in 2014, formally stepped down at 5 p.m. on Friday. Before he left, Tory reflected on his time in office, which he said was "the best job anyone could have."

"I've had a number of jobs in my life. I've been a lawyer. I've been a political advisor. I've been a corporate executive, a broadcaster, and the commissioner of a professional sports league. These are all fine positions to have and I was proud to have them. But the career I wanted the most, and the one I was privileged enough to have, was in public service," Tory said during a 4:30 p.m. news conference at city hall.

"To me, there is no greater occupation. Because it is being part of something bigger than yourself. And for myself, Toronto has been my cause."

Tory admitted that it breaks his heart to leave the post but said it is the right thing to do.

He noted that while his resignation and the circumstances that led to it will be among the things he will be remembered for as mayor, Tory hoped his other accomplishments during his nine-year tenure will also stand out, including building more transit and affordable housing and keeping taxes low.

"What I hope is remembered of my time is that I did the work. I did the work of keeping the city stable and moving forward. That I did the work of reaching out to those who share my deep love for the city and try to work with them to make things better," he said, noting that when he became mayor, Toronto was divided and city hall was in turmoil.