Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson was to undergo an operation to have his appendix removed at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital last night after “experiencing significant pain” following yesterday’s city council meeting, according to his chief of staff.
Serge Arpin conveyed the news in a statement shortly before 8:30 p.m. Wednesday evening, a few hours after Watson chaired the final council meeting of the year. During the meeting, the city approved the 2018 budget.
As the news spread, dozens of residents expressed their well wishes on social media:
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Thinking about mayor @JimWatsonOttawa this morning. Hope all is well!
— Em (@sloan_em) December 14, 2017
@JimWatsonOttawa speedy recovery! I guess the budget wasn’t the only pain.
— Brent Landry (@BrentLandry) December 14, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mr. Mayor @JimWatsonOttawa wishing you a speedy recovery! #ward5Ott #Ottawa
— Eli El-Chantiry (@Eli_ElChantiry) December 14, 2017
Watson is expected to be away from City Hall for several days. While official municipal business is starting to wind down ahead of the holidays, Watson is well-known for his frequent community appearances.