Renfrew County has selected a new Warden. Laurentian Valley Reeve Debbie Robinson defeated McNab-Braeside Mayor Tom Peckett in a vote taken by county councillors to win the honour of leading Renfrew County in 2020.
The county council chambers were packed this morning for the election of Warden. Special guests in attendance included Arnprior Mayor Walter Stack, Renfrew Mayor Don Eady, Deep River Mayor Sue D’Eon, Laurentian Valley Mayor Steve Bennett, Whitewater Mayor Michael Moore, Pembroke Mayor Mike Lemay, Chief Kirby Whiteduck from the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation along with Base Commander Colonel Louis Lapointe and Chief Warrant Officer Tom Verner from Garrison Petawawa.
Robinson spent over 30-years as a reporter in the Ottawa Valley, helping the vulnerable in our community at Community Living and through her work as chair of the social services committee. This past year, Robinson served as the Deputy Warden in Renfrew County. She said in her speech to fellow county councillors she plans to advocate for residents in Renfrew County so our voice continues to be heard. Robinson says attracting visitors to Renfrew County, climate change and working with health care providers to put people first continue to be important issues. Robinson was nominated for the Warden seat by Admaston-Bromley Mayor Michael Donohue and North Algona Wilberforce Mayor James Brose.
Outgoing Warden and Mayor of Bonnechere Valley Jennifer Murphy has served in the role for the last three years. Over the last three years, Murphy has helped move the Highway 17 expansion forward, worked on a service delivery improvement project, helped implement the butterfly model of care for long-term-care homes, developed the Algonquin Trail, worked on the strategic plan, and guided local municipalities through three natural disasters including two major floods and a tornado. Murphy will continue to serve as a member of county council.
There have been 120 Wardens who have worn the chain of office since 1861 with only four women. With Robinson being elected, that makes five female wardens in the history of the County of Renfrew.