Clarence-Rockland Mayor Mario Zanth is the 2026 Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, and he is prioritizing infrastructure housing, and financial equity.
Zanth was sworn in at the Inaugural Meeting held on December 17 in L’Orignal.
Zanth has served as Mayor of the City of Clarence-Rockland since 2021, Zanth began his political career in 2014 as a councillor. At the regional level, he has supported numerous community initiatives, infrastructure projects, and programs for vulnerable populations, while also being involved in charitable work and strengthening community ties.
In his remarks during the swearing-in ceremony, Mr. Zanth presented his priorities for 2026:
- Support the development of modern and resilient infrastructure, including the widening of County Road 17.
- Modernize regional policies to ensure better access to housing, promote sustainable development, and adopt innovative solutions in service delivery; and
- Establish a responsible, balanced, and flexible financial framework, allowing each municipality, large or small, to thrive in a sustainable environment.
“Mario is not someone who leads from afar,” is how Prescott-Russell-Cumberland Member of Parliament Giovanna Mingarelli described Zanth.
She said he cares about people and seeks concrete, practical solutions.
“Today we gather to celebrate leadership, collaboration, and the strength of our region,” said Clarence-Rockland Ward 3 Councillor Carl Grimard.
United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Warden François Landry said he looks forward to working with Zanth on continued issues of common importance to both regional governments.
2025 UCPR Warden and Mayor of Alfred and Plantagenet Yves Laviolette nominated Zanth, and the nomination was seconded by East Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Kirby.
In his inaugural address, Zanth emphasized the need for responsibility and modernization. He wants to ensure infrastructure is modern and resilient.
“We will need to prioritize long-term plans over short-term solutions,” Zanth said.
The new Warden alluded to his plan to seek better equity in the financial relationship between the UCPR and its eight municipalities.
“We must assure that the financial relationship between the UCPR and its municipalities is fair,” remarked Zanth.
“We are a community of communities,” he added.
Zanth has also had a career in the federal public service. He was born in St-Jerôme and raised in Welland. Jennifer is his wife and he has two children, Vic and Will.
Photos: James Morgan
