Lanark County Media Release - Fenik Sworn is as 2022 Lanark County Warden

Councillor John Fenik (Perth Mayor) was sworn in as Lanark County’s 2022 warden at a scaled-down inaugural meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

Fenik was nominated by Councillors Ed McPherson (Perth Deputy Mayor) and Richard Kidd (Beckwith Reeve).

McPherson says he doesn't know anyone with more passion, drive and experience than Fenik. “He is very passionate and proactive, takes on new challenges and is usually ahead of the curve.” McPherson noted Fenik’s work on the Indigenous Health & Well-being and Climate Change committees, and said he would be a strong voice for the county. “He is great at collaboration and always tries to make the best decisions. He tries to bring people together.”

“A warden has to have certain characteristics,” Kidd said, noting an ability to listen and represent the whole county, to represent at political and public functions, to compromise, to not always agree but to respect positions, and to not carry a grudge after a disagreement. “John has all of those characteristics. I think he will do a great job as warden in 2022.”

Among the highlights and challenges for 2022, Fenik noted the upcoming decision on the redevelopment of Lanark Lodge, continuing momentum on social housing and the cell and broadband expansion projects, consideration about hospital funding, and the ongoing challenges with climate change. “I am happy we established a committee on climate change – I am glad we are taking it on.”

Fenik thanked his supporters and expressed particular gratitude to Past Wardens Christa Lowry (Mississippi Mills) and Brian Campbell (Tay Valley Reeve) for leading the county through the pandemic. “I believe council will do great things for the last 12 months of this term,” he said. “I am very positive about the future,” he said, acknowledging the professionalism of county staff. “We can take on any challenge and do great things.”

Past Warden Lowry highlighted the challenges of COVID and commended staff for their perseverance and dedication for residents while ensuring public safety. “To everyone on the staff team, thank you. We see your efforts and they are appreciated.”

Lowry said work related to the housing crisis was a priority for her, and recapped some of the key milestones achieved over the last year. “I am keenly aware there is much more to do to have a meaningful impact on housing.”

Other highlights have included continued work on the cell gap and broadband projects to improve access for residents and the establishment of the Climate Action Committee. “For first time ever the PRIDE flag was raised at Lanark County Administration Building. We made it clear that everyone is welcome in Lanark County.” She also noted the importance of continuing on the path to reconciliation, acknowledging the flag being lowered for the children who never came home, honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and the work of the Indigenous Health & Well-being Working Group. She thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve and expressed gratitude to staff. “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as warden.”

Committee chairpersons were approved at the meeting as well, including Councillor Klaas Van Der
Meer (Montague Deputy Reeve) for Community Services, Councillor Christa Lowry (Mississippi Mills
Mayor) for Corporate Services (acclaimed), Councillor Rickey Minnille (Mississippi Mills Deputy
Mayor) for Economic Development and Councillor Steve Fournier (Drummond/North Elmsley Reeve)
for Public Works. Fenik also named a striking committee, which appoints members to various
committees and boards. Council reconvenes Wednesday at 5 p.m. for its regular meeting.

For more information, contact:
Casey Whiticar, Deputy Clerk
Lanark County
1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1102

Photos of this event are available at
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qark3k7awq46aub/AACC3aJCBe0OJrbQ_ssqAz0ba?dl=0

Captions:

1.  Fenik with Nominators: 2022 Warden John Fenik (Perth Mayor), centre, is flanked by his
      nominators – Councillor Ed McPherson (Perth Deputy Mayor), left, and Councillor Richard
      Kidd (Beckwith Reeve).
2.  Oath of Office: 2022 Warden John Fenik (Perth Mayor) takes the oath of office from Deputy
      Clerk Casey Whiticar.
3.  Chains of Office: Outgoing Warden Christa Lowry (Mississippi Mills Mayor) presents the
      chains of office to 22022 Warden John Fenik (Perth Mayor).
4.  Past Warden’s Pin: Outgoing Warden Christa Lowry (Mississippi Mills Mayor) receives the
      Past Warden’s Pin from 2022 Warden John Fenik (Perth Mayor).
5.  Lowry and Fenik: Incoming Warden John Fenik (Perth Mayor) and outgoing Warden
      Christa Lowry (Mississippi Mills Mayor) share congratulations.
6.  Taking the Chair: Newly elected Warden John Fenik (Perth Mayor) takes the chair for the
      first time.