Councillors

County Council is comprised of the mayors and or reeves from each of the 17 communities within the County of Renfrew boundaries. The councillors act on behalf of the municipality in County affairs. County Council also elects a Warden to lead County Council.

Meet your councillors:

Warden Peter Emon

Warden Peter Emon was born and raised in the Ottawa Valley. Peter went to Calabogie Elementary School, attended Renfrew Collegiate Institute and graduated from University of Windsor with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. Peter is very active in his community as the Reeve of the Town of Renfrew. Previously Peter was the Mayor of Greater Madawaska Township. For over two decades Peter has served his communities with a focus on people, and economic development. Peter is a member of the Development & Property Committee, and the Community Services Committee. Peter is committed to continuing to promote Renfrew County as the best place to live, work and play.

Councillor Dan Lynch

Reeve Town of Arnprior

Councillor Keith Watt

Councillor Glenn Doncaster

Reeve Town of Deep River

Reeve Glenn Doncaster was born in North Bay, Ontario and was raised in Deep River. Glenn is a graduate of Mackenzie High School and Control Data Institute. Glenn lives in Deep River with his three daughters Megan, Autumn and Melina. For over 20 years Glenn has owned and operated a number of successful business ventures across Renfrew, Pontiac and Lanark Counties. Glenn was first elected to Deep River Council in 1997 and served 13 years on Deep River Council, two terms as a Councillor and a subsequent two terms as Deputy Mayor. Following a four-year break from municipal politics in 2010, Glenn returned as Reeve with the Town of Deep River in 2014. Community service and involvement are of the utmost importance for Glenn, having served as the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Deep River & Area Minor Hockey. He has chaired the Deep River Police Services Board and also sat on the Board of Directors of the North Renfrew Long Term Care Centre. At the County of Renfrew Glenn sits on the Finance and Administration and Health Committees.

Councillor Anne Giardini

Councillor Gary Serviss

Councillor Michael Donohue

Mayor Township of Admaston/Bromley

Mayor Michael Donohue's attraction to public office started when he ran for student council at Opeongo High School. A lifelong resident of the Ottawa Valley, Michael has called Renfrew County home for all but a 4-year sojourn to Carleton University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Communications. He lives on his family farm in Douglas, where he operates a 400 head cow/calf ranch. Michael's interest in elected office was rekindled in 2010 when he successfully ran for Admaston/Bromley Council. In 2014 he took the next challenge to become Mayor of the Township. While Michael's position on County Council demands more of him, he feels energized serving as the Chair of the Striking Committee and Health Committee, and as a member of the Finance and Administration Committee. He is also a member of the Board of Health Renfrew County District Health Unit. Proud of the community he was raised in, Michael unapologetically says that “Renfrew County is the place to call home. Naturally!”

Councillor Jennifer Murphy

Mayor Township of Bonnechere Valley

Mayor Jennifer Murphy sits on County Council as the elected Mayor of Bonnechere Valley Township. Jennifer has extensive business experience which she uses with great skill in her decision making at Council. Jennifer and her husband, Dave, moved from Toronto to their hobby horse farm outside of Eganville in 2000, and opened Murphy's Auto Service in Renfrew in 2001. Jennifer is involved in many fundraising efforts and community events throughout Bonnechere Valley. At the County of Renfrew Jennifer sits as the Chair of the Finance and Administration Committee and is also a member of the Health Committee.

Councillor Valerie Jahn

Mayor Township of Brudenell, Lyndoch & Raglan

Councillor Rob Weir

Mayor of Greater Madawaska

Councillor Debbi Grills

Mayor Township of Head, Clara and Maria

Mayor Debbi Grills sits on County Council as the elected Mayor of the United Townships of Head, Clara and Maria. Although new to the County Council, she served on the Head, Clara and Maria Council from 2012 to 2017 and successfully ran for Mayor in 2018.

Debbi and her husband, Bob, moved from Stittsville to their retirement home on the Ottawa River, Stonecliffe in 2011. She enjoyed a 35-year career as an elementary school teacher in both Toronto and Ottawa. Her experience in education makes her a believer in the 3 R’s for small rural municipalities – Respect, Responsibility & Resourcefulness.

Debbi serves on the County of Renfrew’s Health and Community Services Committees, as well as a Board Member of the Renfrew County Housing Corporation. She is an active volunteer involved in fundraising and community events for the Head, Clara and Maria Recreation Committee, the Library Board and the Missing Link Snowmobile Club.

Debbi hopes that you will take time to enjoy the recreational opportunities on the beautiful trails, numerous lakes and the pristine Ottawa River that make up “The Natural Playground” in the Upper Ottawa Valley.