Bob Chiarelli -- the one-time mayor of the amalgamated City of Ottawa -- is making a big announcement on Monday morning. Odds are, sources say, he's either looking for the chair again, or seeking a provincial Liberal nomination.

Should Chiarelli look to join the Liberals, he would be running in the riding recently vacated by Jim Watson, who was also a mayor of Ottawa in the past.

Watson submitted his resignation as MPP of Ottawa West-Nepean last week to take a shot at running for mayor of Ottawa.

It will be a crowded field for the mayoral race, which will culminate in elections this coming November.

Other candidates include Coun. Alex Cullen, who submitted his bid the morning ballots opened, and Robert Gauthier, who has made several failed attempts to hold city positions in past elections.

Councillors Diane Deans and Peter Hume are also said to be pondering their chances in the race.

As for incumbent Larry O'Brien, he told CTV Ottawa that he would consider his options over the holidays, then in early January announced his decision would be to wait until June to decide for sure.