Social media lights up in the capital region, as long-time public servant Marianne Wilkinson calls it a career.

After nearly 50 years since she started her career in municipal politics, Kanata North Ward 4 City Councillor Marianne Wilkinson is retiring.

Wilkinson posted a tweet Tuesday morning after speaking at a local International Women's Day breakfast, thanking people for their support and announcing her retirement at the end of this term.

Thank you for all of your support over the years. This will be my final #IWD2018 as I will be retiring this year. pic.twitter.com/iKkW45scFV — Marianne Wilkinson (@marianne4kanata) March 6, 2018

The former mayor of Kanata, Wilkinson has represented constituents on the councils of March Township, the City of Kanata, the regional municipality of Ottawa-Carleton and the City of Ottawa.

Thank you very much for your years of service to March Township and Kanata and Ottawa! A true trailblazer for our community — Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) March 6, 2018

I was fortunate to be Marianne Wilkinson’s seat mate at Ottawa Regional Council, 1982-1991. She was a great mentor. Thanks for your public Service @marianne4kanata — Michael McSweeney (@McSweeneyCAC) March 6, 2018

Thank you Marianne Wilkinson for being a trailblazer & staunch supporter of the need for more women in municipal politics, in Ottawa. Look forward to hearing your wise voice on this year's candidates & campaign. #MoreThan4of24 #12In2018 #ottpoli #ottnews https://t.co/9cAXiGamuC — susan king (@suki50) March 6, 2018

Two people have declared intentions to run for her seat: former Ottawa Champions President David Gourlay, and the founding Executive Director and President of the Kanata North Business Association, head of the Kanata Food Cupboard and Executive Director of the CIO Strategy Council Jenna Sudds.