CORNWALL, Ontario – North Glengarry Mayor Jamie MacDonald was sworn in as the new Warden of the United Counties of SD&G at a ceremony in Cornwall on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018.
The entire new council was also sworn in and introduced to the public. The United Counties Council is made up of the Mayors and Deputy Mayors of North and South Glengarry, North and South Dundas and North and South Stormont.
MacDonald was elected to lead the Council as Warden unopposed. He will serve for one year. MacDonald previously served as Warden in 2016 when he was Deputy Mayor of North Glengarry.
Cornwall Mayor Bernadette Clement spoke at the ceremony and congratulated MacDonald, saying she was looking forward to working with the United Counties.
“Geography has made us neighbours, history has made us friends and the future makes us partners,” she said, paraphrasing a quote from past American President John F. Kennedy. “We might disagree on some issues, but it is important that we keep an open flow of communication. “Warden MacDonald has already reached out to me to discuss important common files,” she continued.
In his address to the Council Chambers, Warden MacDonald acknowledged that there were many fresh faces around the table.
“Since the election, there has been lots of talk at how inexperienced this Council is,” he said. “We may be short on years on County Council, but there is nearly a hundred years of municipal experience on this Council.”
Warden MacDonald outlined some of the issues facing the new council.
“Better communication with our neighbour, the City of Cornwall is essential in regards to our shared services and many other issues, both sides need to work together,” he said. “I am confident under the leadership of Mayor Clement this is achievable, stronger together.”
MacDonald also cited school closures and relations with the province as ongoing issues.
“School closures will continue to be an issue,” he said. “They are a vital part of our communities and we need to fight for our children to be educated in the community they live in. Change needs to happen, four school boards spending tax dollars advertising and competing for children to come to several half-empty schools in the same community. This is not sustainable or a financially sensible use of our resources. We are in the midst of an appeal of our Official Plan. Years of work and consultation have been cast aside by Toronto bureaucrats who believe they know what’s best for our local residents, farmers, and businesses. We are fighting these unwarranted chances with all the resources we can bring to bear. With new ministerial leadership in Steve Clark and his PA Jim McDonell we are hopeful for a positive outcome to our appeal.”
MacDonald also pointed to a $213 million private-public partnership to develop stronger wireless broadband service in Eastern Ontario as vital for the regions development.
In his closing remarks, MacDonald took a light hearted turn.
“Lastly, thanks to Warden Ian McLeod for his service this past year. See how much I have grown up? Very few sarcastic comments about people,” said MacDonald. “Like Mayor Byvelds who is Steve 2.0, I am Jamie 3.0, younger, stronger, faster, less sarcastic.”
MacDonald then made a few lighthearted comments at the expense of outgoing Warden Ian McLeod, former North Stormont Deputy Mayor Bill McGimpsey and former North Dundas Mayor Eric Duncan.
“Yup, Warden 1.0 is back,” he concluded.
