County Council Inaugural Session 2022

During the Inaugural Session of Renfrew County Council on November 23, Peter Emon (centre) was acclaimed as County Warden for 2023. He was nominated for the Office of Warden by Councillor Michael Donohue and Councillor Jennifer Murphy (right) seconded the nomination.

RELEASE DATE:

November 30, 2022

Peter Emon acclaimed as Renfrew County Warden for 2023

Peter Emon, Reeve for the Town of Renfrew, has been acclaimed as County of Renfrew Warden.

As of the November 10 deadline, only one nomination was received for the Office of Warden for the 2023 term. Warden Emon was nominated by Councillor Michael Donohue and Councillor Jennifer Murphy seconded the nomination, which was affirmed by County Council during the Inaugural Session on November 23. Following the official swearing-in ceremony, Warden Emon outlined his major themes and goals for the next year:

• Addressing the housing shortage
• Fostering economic development and growth
• Continuing to push for sustainable funding for the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre past March 2023
• Lobbying for the further expansion of Highway 17 through Renfrew County
• Hosting the best games ever in terms of the 2023 Ontario Winter Games, which are coming to Renfrew County in February 2023

Continuing relationships with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Garrison Petawawa, the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and the City of Pembroke and maintaining a strong presence at the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Rural Ontario Municipal Association and Eastern Ontario Regional Network are also among Warden Emon’s priorities.

“Ahead of us we have a lot of hard, but exciting and rewarding work,” Warden Emon said during his inaugural address. “We are and will chart a course forward for our entire community; together we will build our community and create and expand opportunities for everyone to succeed and thrive.”

He congratulated the eight returning members of County Council and welcomed nine new members to the table. He encouraged his colleagues to adopt a team approach and continue the constructive and professional approach that has worked for past County Councils.

As the nominator, Councillor Donohue highlighted Warden Emon’s previous achievements, including serving four consecutive terms as Warden from 2013 to 2016. He presided over the development and adoption of the initial Corporate Asset Management Plan and the Long-Term Financial Plan, two documents which have been foundational blueprints in ensuring the continual renewal of capital assets. He was also involved with the development of the Strategic Plan in 2013 and construction of the Renfrew OPP building. Warden Emon served as chair of the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus in 2016 and has sat on the Board for AMO for eight years and the Rural Caucus of ROMA for four years. His involvement in these boards has allowed Warden Emon to develop relationship across municipal and provincial sectors.

“I say without reservation, Councillor Peter Emon is distinctly qualified in these turbulent times to provide both stability and vision. He will foster an environment to achieve not just the possible, but perhaps even what may once have been considered impossible,” Councillor Donohue added.

In seconding the nomination, Councillor Murphy thanked Warden Emon for his support and mentorship over the years, noting he is currently the longest sitting member of County Council.

“He is always approachable and accessible for any and all questions or concerns – big or small,” Councillor Murphy said. “I know that you are the right person at the right time for this job.”

Warden Emon recently retired following a 40-year career as a public servant in community services. This will be Emon’s fifth term serving as Warden.

The Striking Committee also met to determine who will sit on the County Council standing committees and other ad-hoc committees for the next year. The committee chairs are as follows: Finance and Administration – Jennifer Murphy; Operations – Glenn Doncaster; Development and Property – James Brose; Health – Michael Donohue and Community Services – Anne Giardini.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Craig Kelley              Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk                    613-735-7288

Tina Peplinskie        Media Relations Coordinator                             613-735-7288