by Connie Tabbert
Editor
PEMBROKE — Whitewater Region Township Reeve of Terry Millar was sworn in as a county councillor Tuesday morning.
He, along with 16 other county councillors took the oath of office. Of the 17 municipal representatives on county council, 12 of them are new to the chambers. Returning are Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards Reeve Janice Visneskie-Moore, who is now the longest-standing reeve in chambers, Petawawa Mayor Bob Sweet, Arnprior Reeve Walter Stack, Township of Bonnechere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy and Renfrew Reeve Peter Emon, although previously he was Horton Township reeve.
Following the swearing in, Renfrew Reeve Emon was sworn in as Warden. This is his third term as warden, but first time as the Renfrew Reeve, as he was Horton reeve previously. However, he now lives within the town of Renfrew, and ran against, and defeated, long-time reeve Audrey Green.
“Welcome council, staff, honoured guests and members of the media,” Warden Emon started out. “It is with much pleasure and anticipation that I address you today.”
He is excited council has once again acclaimed him to represent the community inside and outside of its borders.
“This will be an interesting and exciting time as we come together to work for the best interests of our community,” he said.
In 2014, county council worked on a number of important projects, he said. These included the twinning of Hwy. 417 as it extends through the county; AECL, now known as Canadian Nuclear Laboratories; the Endangered Species Act; Garrison Petawawa; the continuation of healthy living in the county; the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus; the CP and CN Railways; and Asset Management.
“The predictable twinning program for 417 is absolutely essential for the future and necessary expansion and diversification of our communities’ economy and our ability to compete with the rest of Ontario and beyond,” Reeve Emon stated. “We believe Highway 417, as it extends through the Ottawa Valley, will bring interested companies and investors, vistors and future residents to our many safe, affordable, caring and welcoming communities.”
AECL has been a long-time vital engine which drives the economy in Renfrew County, he said. While it will be sold on Jan. 2, 2016, it is hoped that it will remain located in the county, he added.
Garrison Petawawa continues to evolve, grow and contribute to the safety and pride of Canadians, Reeve Emon said.
“The County of Renfrew and our many communities have always and continue to have a strong and emotional attachment with Garrison Petawawa,” he said.
The recent addition of the heavy lift 450 Helicopter Squadron demonstrates how the base continues to evolve and meet the challenges of serving Canada, he added.
The Endangered Species Act will continue to force job losses and missed investments for this county, he said.
“The Endangered Species Act remains a significant impediment to the development and well-being of rural Ontario and Renfrew County,” Reeve Emon said. “We have highlighted for the province the problems, the increased costs and significant work delays and stoppages for businesses in almost all economic sectors in our diverse community.
He provided numbers and examples of lost opportunity in agriculture in construction, in road building, in land development and new home constructuion, in forestry, in mining and tourism investment.
“On behalf of our community and our conomy, we spoke of job losses and missed invesmtment oportunties,” Reeve Emon continued. “Industry representatives, our partners, our staff and our neighbours tell us, in many situations, the ESA duplicates the requirements of existing Acts, such as the Ontario Planning Act and specific Forest Managmeent Plans.
“We will continue to assist our partners as they educate their respective sectors and to join them when they speak to the minister about the negative impact this Act is having as our community members try to make an honest living,” he noted.
In 2015, Reeve Emon will accept nominations with regards to the Warden’s Community Services awards and he is hopeful county residents will continue to participate in the Silver Chain Challenge.
The Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus sets priorities for the year in January, he said. Last year, a regional economic development strategy was completed, he noted.
The lifing of the ties and rails of the CP and CN railways was unfortunate, Reeve Emon said.
In 2015, a comprehensive Asset Management Plan will be initiated for the county, he said.
“This vital and necessary document enables our staff to make accurate and measurable recommendations to county council and in turn, council to make effective and responsible decisions on assets and infrastructure,” he explained.
Concluding, Reeve Emon said, “It is an honour that I sit here before you as your warden for the County of Renfrew. I understand the immense responsibility you have graciously bestowed on me. I will encourage and work with you to adopt and implement an agenda which allows us to move forward on the many issues both known and emerging. Together, as councillors, staff and community members, will continue to make Renfrew County the best place to live, work, invest and play.”
Reeve Emon continued, “2015 will be filled with challenges and you will no doubt demonstrate patience and appreciation for each other and our individual points of view and diverse goals. We will not always support each other’s goals, view or causes, but I am confident we will always expect to find ourselves at the end of the session supporting our community.”
It was then opportunity for the mayors of three towns – Arnprior, Deep River and Renfrew; the City of Pembroke and the Township of Whitewater Region to bring greetings.
Whitewater’s Mayor speaks at Renfrew County
“Congrulations Warden Emon and congratulations to all the councillors who have been elected to county council,” Whitewater Region Township Mayor Hal Johnson said. “Congratulations to all the staff members who get to put up with you.
“Thank you to the staff who have attended from Whitewater Region and congratulations to you on behalf of Whitewater Region, possibly the nicest area in Renfrew County,” he added, bringing laughter from the crowd.
“Today you start your first step in a very, very exciting journey,” Mayor Johnson said. “And looking around the room I see a lot of very nervous excitement. After the speech from our warden we realize how much is involved in all of the county business and actions. A lot of people got here because they like to talk. Now, you have to talk to be liked.
“And that is a big responsibility,” he said. “We have to listen to the people that brought us here. We can’t lose our perspective, ever, we have to carry on.”
Ending, Mayor Johnson said, “Congratulations and merry Christmas and all the best.”
Warden Emon thanked Mayor Johson and said, “He allowed me the privilege to speak to his council at their inaugural meeting. It was an exciting time for him, his council and the family and friends who supported them in the past and no doubtedly will support them in the future.”
Whitewater Region Reeve Millar was appointed to sit on financial and adminsitration, property and development and agricultural/economic development county committes.
