Peter Clark is returning to the Ottawa politicial scene 13 years after he lost his post as the regional chair for the Ottawa-Carleton to Bob Chiarelli. (CBC)

Ottawa-Carleton's former regional chairman Peter Clark is coming out of retirement to run for city council in the upcoming municipal election.

The 72-year-old Clark, who served as regional chair from 1991 to 1997, said he will be announcing his candidacy for city councillor in the Rideau-Rockcliffe ward next week.

The Rideau-Rockcliffe seat on council has attracted eight other candidates, including former provincial PC candidate Bruce Poulin.

Current councillor Jacques Legendre announced in June he is retiring and will not seek re-election.

Clark said 13 years after leaving office, his retirement left him wanting more.

"You can retire for a couple years and say 'What am I doing that's meaningful?' And this is meaningful," said Clark.

Clark is known for his blunt, no-nonsense attitude and for his management of public funds.

Different role for Clark

Walter Robinson, Larry O'Brien's former chief of staff, said Clark would bring with him institutional memory that would serve council well.

"There's no discounting his experience as someone who really understands the finances," said Robinson. "The pressures that drive him, how much debt the city can bring on....You can't teach experience. You can only get it from a long life."

But taking on the role of one of 24 city councillors would be a major role change for Clark, who is used to leading the table as in his previous role as regional chairman. He said he accepts the potential change in role and said he wants to help council, not make it more dysfunctional.

"By and large I don't intend to run the place," said Clark. "I think that's going to be the mayor's job to point out where the ship should be headed. I do believe we may be able to oil the engine a little bit."

Clark lost his role as regional chair and first exited politics after he lost to Bob Chiarelli in 1997. The position of regional chair of Ottawa-Carleton disappeared when the region and its municipalities were amalgamated into the city of Ottawa.

With files from the CBC's Ashley Burke