One local mayor wants the Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) to serve for two years instead of one.
At the UCPR council meeting on Wednesday, September 24, Russell Township Mayor Mike Tarnowski introduced a notice of motion to have the warden’s term extended to two years.
The reasons given are that the longer term allows for better strategic planning, more effective intergovernmental representation, and continued support for regional administration.
Currently, the warden is selected each fall from among the mayors who serve on UCPR council. The warden’s term usually goes from December to December. Other county governments across Ontario also use two-year terms for warden.
Tarnowski’s motion indicates that the recently prolonged service of Champlain Township Mayor Normand Riopel as warden highlighted the benefits of continuity in the position. Riopel served a full term as warden in 2023 and was succeeded as 2024 warden by then Russell Township Mayor Pierre Leroux. When Leroux resigned in March 2024, Riopel returned to the position for the rest of the term.
“I think it is an excellent idea,” Clarence-Rockland Mayor Mario Zanth said about Tarnowski’s motion.
However, he questioned if a longer term would reduce the opportunity for the mayor of each municipality to have the opportunity to serve as warden. For example, during the past eight years, no mayor of Hawkesbury has served as warden.
Chief Administrative Officer Stéphane Parisien said the selection of a warden is generally more political or based on regional balances such as the eastern and western areas of the UCPR. He also emphasized that the role is largely a full-time job because of the responsibilities involved.
UCPR council will debate and vote on Tarnowski’s motion to have the warden serve for two years at its next regular meeting on Wednesday, October 29.
