Warden

2010-2011 Inaugural Speech

My fellow councillors, distinguished guests, members of the media, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you to my mover Mayor Emon and my seconder Mayor Briscoe for nominating me for the office of Warden.

As we all realize, families have always played an exceptional role in supporting politicians at all levels. I have always had my family to support me in my political roles as Mayor and in the past as Warden. I would at this time like to recognize my patient, understanding and loving family.

Secondly, I would like to acknowledge the staff and members of council from the Town of Petawawa who are present with me this morning. Your support and encouragement is most appreciated as I assume this new responsibility.

It is also my pleasure to extend a special welcome to all of the Past Wardens in attendance today. They are: Janice Visneskie, Paul Curtis, Barry Moran. Welcome and please join me in thanking them for their dedication and commitment to the County of Renfrew.

Thank you to Past Warden Don Rathwell for your last two years of guidance and leadership.

Today is indeed a very special day here at the County of Renfrew. As we close 2010, I trust we are leaving behind some of the most difficult financial times that we have seen in many generations. Not only was the County of Renfrew affected by the global recession, but all of Canada was. But as we look towards 2011, I think we should look with renewed optimism for what the future holds.

What better way to embrace a brand new year than to really begin the celebrations and countdown towards the 150^th Anniversary of this great county. Expo 150 will not only showcase the past, present and future of the County of Renfrew, but Expo 150 gives all of us an incredible opportunity to showcase all that is good and unique about our home. We look forward to welcoming the Lord Provost from Renfrewshire Scotland as well as their Head of Council.

But before we get there, we need to address some immediate issues that we will face in the new year. We need to continue our investment in our infrastructure to help us compete for economic growth in the region. I want to thank the Federal and Provincial governments for their injection of funds over the last few years to help improve our roads, bridges, municipal properties and other critical infrastructure needs. I hope these partnerships continue for many years. I want to specifically thank the Federal Government for their commitment to extend the gasoline tax to 2014 as an example of long-term sustainable funding for infrastructure projects. We will work with our provincial member John Yakabuski for similar and fair gasoline tax funding.

We want to continue to work with the Federal Government on the Eastern Ontario Development Program to ensure that it is a viable funding model tailored to eastern Ontario. Not only is this a vital investment in our regional economic development, but it allows our local communities to develop businesses and projects that are extremely important for eastern Ontario and in particular Renfrew County. Our needs are different than the rest of the province, and this fund allows our local communities to invest in their particular projects that best showcase their needs.

With the uncertainty of the future of rail in this county, the Highway 17 expansion is critical and we will continue to lobby for the extension of Highway 17 beyond Arnprior. Many of us have driven to Arnprior and seen firsthand the dramatic economic impact the twinning of the highway has on those communities around Arnprior and McNab Braeside. We must be more resilient than ever to work with the provincial and federal levels of government to maintain the momentum of twinning Highway 17 up to Renfrew and all the way up the Ottawa Valley.

We are looking forward to a decision on one of our major employers, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. I think we all realize just how vital this facility is to all of Renfrew County. With over 2500 employees at AECL, many communities all through the county have some employees that reside within their borders. With millions of dollars generated in our county from AECL, we must do all we can to not only maintain the presence of AECL in our county, but we must be ready to help AECL grow and continue as the premier research facility in the world.

It is for this reason that I want to remind our partners that they are always welcome to come and update us on various initiatives. I want to extend an open invitation to these chambers to our Federal and Provincial members to continue to work with our council on critical ongoing issues and let them know that our Council Chambers are always open to them for ongoing updates on the various initiatives.

When I had the honour of previously holding the Office of Warden, I made it one of my priorities to visit each of the local governments to provide an overview of the many programs and services administered by the County of Renfrew. Effective communication amongst county members is the key to knowledgeable participation. As your Warden in the new year, I would like to renew that pledge and I would be pleased to accept any invitation from our local municipalities to come and appear before your councils. There are some new members of County Council here, and I would welcome the opportunity to come visit your communities. Alternatively, should you wish, I extend an invitation for your councils to attend any meeting of Renfrew County Council.

As I mentioned, 2011 will be full of many milestones and celebrations. The recent announcement at CFB Petawawa has been received as a major economic boost to the Upper Ottawa Valley and we welcome that initiative. One incredible new venture will be the official opening of the new Bonnechere Manor Auditorium in Renfrew. This new community auditorium has shown what can happen when the dedicated volunteers of the Bonnechere Manor Foundation, the residents of Renfrew County and our Elected Council can accomplish by working together. The volunteers and residents have raised over $100,000 to help build and furnish the auditorium, and our Council has partnered with the City of Pembroke to help finance the project. When it is completed, it will be a central gathering place for the residents, their families and all surrounding communities.

Perhaps no project has been as intensive and wide spread as the Eastern Ontario Broadband Network. For many years, the County of Renfrew and other members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus have been working towards connectivity for many rural communities in Eastern Ontario. We are much closer than we were ten years ago. This connectivity can only help maintain and expand economic opportunities for many regional businesses. It will allow businesses, households and institutions to communicate across vast regions and help Eastern Ontario grow. As a member of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, I will be pleased to update County Council on a regular basis on the progress of this initiative.

As Council is aware, the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) has become the transitional organization for the Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (RTO-11). Tourism is an important industry in Renfrew County and we look forward to the expansion of this major tourism initiative.

We continue to lobby for the designation for the Ottawa River as a heritage river. This designation will assist in the promotion of the recently established tourism office.

We have much to do, but we can do it – together. We will make a difference and we will get the job done. I am confident in the future of Renfrew County.

On a final note, I extend best wishes to all of you for a wonderful and joyous holiday season.

Warden Bob Sweet
December 21, 2010