Warden Rathwell's Inaugural Address
December 15, 2009
Honoured guests, County Councillors and staff.
I would like to thank my nominator, Reeve Audrey Green from the Town of Renfrew. I’ve known Audrey for many years and her kind words are appreciated. I had the pleasure of working with Audrey’s late husband John at Timminco for many years, so I guess Audrey you and I can go back as acquaintances for over 40 years! I think everyone here knows that you have given many years of service to your community and the County of Renfrew. So on behalf of those many residents, I thank you for your service and commitment.
I would also like to thank my Seconder, Reeve Peter Emon of the Township of Greater Madawaska. I first met Peter while working with the South Renfrew Recycling Committee. I enjoyed working with Peter then as well as today. Peter has always shown an active interest in helping children, especially those underprivileged children in our community. Peter, we thank you for this and the numerous and ongoing initiatives that make our communities a better place.
As we look forward to the coming year, many challenges face our great county. One of the major concerns is the uncertainty around the area of Mitigation Funding under OMPF. A stable funding formula under the Ontario Municipal Partnership Funding Program is vital for the long-term stability of our county. I have had the opportunity to join some other councillors to meet with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on this urgent matter. We have sent letters in support of mitigation funding to the Premier, and our local MPP John Yakabuski has raised this issue on the floor of Queen’s Park, and for that I am grateful to John. As your Warden, I will continue to lobby to ensure fair funding for the many programs that we are mandated to deliver to our residents.
I join the long list of Wardens that have continually pursued the extension of Highway 417. Over the last year, I have met with the Provincial Minister of Transportation and have lobbied for the next phase to Renfrew. This effort must remain a priority for us and we must keep the lines of communication open between our County Council and the other levels of government.
Highway 417 is just one important transportation link for our county. Just as we must continue to lobby for Highway 417, I will continue to pursue long term funding to keep the CN Railway open for freight and passenger service from Ottawa to Pembroke. This is very important for the future of wood plants in both the Pontiac and the County of Renfrew.
Over the next couple of years, another challenge will be the Native Land Claim issue. There is no doubt it will have a big impact on the County of Renfrew. We are pleased to have had Mr. Michael Johnson as the County representative on this committee, and Michael has done a great job for us. I wish Michael all the best in his retirement beginning January1, 2010.
Speaking of retirement, Mr. Norm Lemke has announced his retirement from the post of CAO for the Corporation of the County of Renfrew. This makes us realize just what we will be losing in April next year. Norm has been a vital cog in our wheel, and he has been remarkable and professional to work with. I could never thank him enough for his understanding and assistance during my first year as Warden.
As we head into 2010, we find many farm products, especially beef and pork prices are still depressed and in many cases the same price as 20 years ago. I am pleased that our county has been a leader in the “buy local” campaign, and I hope that future events like Taste of the Valley encourage all our residents to keep supporting our local producers. When thousands of people turn out for a chance to buy local at Taste of the Valley, it gives us hope that our local farmers will prosper in years to come.
I can’t overrate the importance of the continued efforts to increase tourism, the spin-off tourist dollars that help our local economy, and the many jobs that this industry creates. I would like to thank the OVTA and the Economic Development Department for constantly promoting our county as a good place to visit and invest in during these very tough times. While it is important to encourage visitors and investment in our region, we must all work hard so that our young people remain here and see an opportunity for growth and prosperity in Renfrew County.
During this Christmas season, keep in mind that many children and families are living below the poverty line in Renfrew County. This year more than any other, we can all help to make the festive season a joyous occasion for all our neighbours. So I encourage everyone to help out in some small way. Maybe make an extra donation to a local food bank, or donate cash or clothing to the snowsuit fund. Every little bit helps during this season. The people of Renfrew County are some of the most generous people I have ever met. This is the reason that I am most proud to wear the Chain of Office of the Warden of the County of Renfrew. It is the people that make our county so wonderful to live and visit. Let’s keep that generosity and long tradition of Ottawa Valley friendliness going throughout the next year.
I know as the Warden of the County of Renfrew, I speak for all my fellow councillors when I say that although we may face many challenges and obstacles, it is the spirit and determination that comes with being a resident of Renfrew County that makes this one of the finest places in the world to call home. And with that, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thank you.
Don Rathwell
Warden
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