It's the end of an era, or at least four years of debate and decision making at London city council. Several new council members will soon take their seats at the table, tackling key issues such as transit, poverty, and development.

"They're going to have their plates full," said Virginia Ridley, who was not re-elected in Ward 10.

Ward 10 Coun. Virginia Ridley will not be able to attend last city council meeting. (City of London)

Ridley will have to miss Tuesday night's final meeting due to a gathering in Ottawa for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, where she's representing London.

"It's going to be an important meeting and not being able to say goodbye in person is a little bit disappointing, but I did submit a letter and I've asked one of my colleagues to read it out loud," she said.

That letter includes some of Ridley's hopes and thoughts for the city's future.

One significant issue that continues to divide Londoners is bus rapid transit.

"I think rapid transit is something that needs to be tweaked," she said.

She recommends new council members read the thousands of pages that are available so they can make informed decisions.

But transit isn't the only challenge.

"There are a lot of issues that are colliding at the same time: mental health, homelessness, shelter spaces, poverty and we're going to need some real solutions from both city hall and partners in the community," said Ridley.

"It's important for new councillors to refer to their campaign material because that's where you made promises to the people who elected you and at the end of the day, those are the people who are going to hold you accountable," says Tanya Park. (Jennifer Hall/CBC)

Tanya Park is also leaving city council after making an unsuccessful bid to become mayor.

She is proud of reducing the city's debt, as well as, passing the first multi-year budget, and going ahead with a ranked-ballot election.

But, Park believes bus rapid transit is key for the city.

"It's one of the biggest infrastructure projects the city has ever seen," she said. "There are serious dollars on the table from the federal and provincial governments and I think that anybody who wants to move a motion to scrap all of the work that's been done to date, I think that's very foolish and throwing away a very incredible opportunity for the city."

Park would suggest a second look at the north leg of the plan that travels up Richmond Street.

"That's where the really huge bones of contention are," she said. "But, I would keep all the pieces that work for the rest of the city... because when you have such a huge opportunity, you run with it."

Advice for new councillors

As for those coming into the job at city hall, Park and Ridley both have suggestions.

"When you're a new councillor, everyone wants your attention," said Park. "It's important for new councillors to refer to their campaign material because that's where you made promises to the people who elected you and at the end of the day, those are the people who are going to hold you accountable."

Ridley recommends new council members find their own style and remember they're accountable to Londoners every single day.

"Ask questions and take the opportunity to learn things in multiple ways," said Ridley. "That can be reports, discussions with senior staff. There's so much information and you don't know what you don't know."

One last tip:

"Always be yourself," said Park. "Because the second you're not, everyone's going to know."