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At the Inaugural Session of County Council on December 10, Renfrew County Warden Jennifer Murphy (centre) is joined by Councillor Anne Giardini, nominated her for the position and Councillor Neil Nicholson, who seconded the nomination.
RELEASE DATE:
December 12, 2025
Bonnechere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy will lead Renfrew County Council in 2026 after being elected by her peers during the December 10 Inaugural Session, defeating Councillor Michael Donohue from the Township of Admaston/Bromley.
Warden Murphy was nominated by Councillor Anne Giardini and Councillor Neil Nicholson seconded the nomination. Councillor Donohue was nominated by Councillor Glenn Doncaster and Councillor Debbi Grills seconded the nomination. The Office of the Warden of the County of Renfrew is for a one-year term, as provided for by the procedural by-law.
Following the official swearing-in ceremony, Warden Murphy highlighted areas of focus for the upcoming year:
- Strengthening and expanding mental health, substance use, and crisis support directly in communities through Mesa;
- Integrating healthcare, mental health, social services, and outreach under one roof through the HART Hub (Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub);
- Addressing financial pressures and regulatory demands while maintaining high-quality rural services;
- Advancing affordable housing, rural services, digital connectivity, and family supports;
- Leveraging innovation to improve service delivery, decision-making, and efficiency while ensuring transparency and privacy;
- Building a compassionate, connected, and prosperous County defined by problem-solving and resilience.
“Renfrew County has never been defined by its obstacles; we are defined by our ability to solve them,” said Warden Murphy. “Having honest conversations about how we strengthen collaboration, protect local services, and build the partnerships we need to keep serving our communities effectively, that’s exactly what we will be doing this year.”
At the Inaugural Session of County Council on December 10, Renfrew County Warden Jennifer Murphy signed her declaration of office after taking the oath while Gwen Dombroski, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk looked on.
Continuing relationships with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Garrison Petawawa, the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and the City of Pembroke; continuing to advocate the Provincial Government for housing, infrastructure, long-term care, paramedic services, and sustainable funding models are among her priorities for the coming year.
As the nominator Councillor Giardini highlighted Warden Murphy’s passion, advocacy work, relationships, financial leadership and community focus as qualities she admires.
“Jennifer Murphy is the right choice to lead Renfrew County as Warden. Her passion for her community, her deep knowledge of rural advocacy through ROMA and AMO, and her proven ability to build strong relationships with provincial leaders make her an invaluable voice for rural Ontario,” she said. “Jennifer’s experience, financial expertise, and unwavering commitment to collaboration will guide us through the challenges ahead and ensure a strong, prosperous future for all residents of Renfrew County.”
In seconding the nomination, Councillor Nicholson called Warden Murphy a seasoned leader with deep experience in the role of Warden, having previously served in the position from 2017 to 2019.
“Jen has already demonstrated that she can lead in tough times, and I know she’ll do it again. As Warden, Jen will lead the fight for our future, so that 10, 20, or even 50 years from now, our communities remain strong and vibrant,” he said.
Warden Murphy has been a member of County Council since 2011. This will be her fourth term serving as Warden.
The Striking Committee also met the day of the Inaugural Session to determine committee chairpersons for 2026, which are as follows: Corporate Services – Peter Emon; Operations – Glenn Doncaster; Development and Property – James Brose; Health – Michael Donohue and Community Services – Anne Giardini.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Craig Kelley Chief Administrative Officer 613-735-7288
Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288
At the Inaugural Session of County Council on December 10, newly elected Warden Jennifer Murphy (second from right) was joined by Colonel Sean Trenholm, Commander 4th Canadian Support Division Group at Garrison Petawawa; Chief Greg Sarazin, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and Acting Mayor Peter Emon, Town of Renfrew, who brought greetings from their respective groups.
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