New Simcoe County warden named
There's a new warden in Simcoe County.
On Tuesday, 32 mayors and deputy mayors from across Simcoe County converged in Midhurst to vote on who would lead council for the next two years.
The nominees were Ramara Township Mayor Basil Clarke and Bradford West-Gwillimbury Mayor James Leduc.
After the votes were tallied, Clarke was named the newest Warden, adding his name to a long list spanning 175 years.
"There are so many good people here counting on me, and I'm looking forward to the years. As I said before, I'm really hoping I don't let them down," said Clarke.
Clarke takes over the role from outgoing warden George Cornell.
Clarke, a 20+ year political veteran, began his career in 2000 as a Ramara Township councillor before being named deputy mayor in 2006 and mayor in 2014.
He said he plans to hit the ground running, with hopes of finding a compromise with the Ontario government on the controversial Bill 23.
"That is the important issue that is in front of us right now that we can find a way to move forward with Bill 23 that benefits both us at the municipal level as well hits the goals that province is trying to reach," said Clarke.
The province passed Bill 23, which overrides some municipal zoning laws and eliminates some development fees, to follow through on its goal of building 1.5 million homes.
Several county council members said they're looking forward to working with Clarke on key issues, like building more housing.
"We have several issues but, of course, some assistance with our development and more affordable housing that we need," said Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith.
Clarke will lead council with Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin, who was elected as Deputy Warden. Coughlin was elected mayor in the fall after starting her political career as a town councillor and deputy mayor in 2014.
"Getting to know everyone and getting to learn how everyone works together is my strength. I think so is bringing people together," said Coughlin.
Clarke and Coughlin will lead county council until their term ends at the end of 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Tanks reach Rafah's centre as Israel presses assault despite global scrutiny
Israeli tanks reached the centre of Rafah for the first time on Tuesday, witnesses said, three weeks into a ground operation in the southern Gaza city that has sparked global condemnation.
More Canadians only making minimum payment on credit cards: TransUnion
Some Canadians are seeing their credit card balances grow as the cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates eat into household budgets, a new report shows.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
Mexican government says the arm of a 19th century mummy came off after mishandling by museum staff
Mexico's federal archaeology agency on Monday accused the conservative-governed city of Guanajuato of mistreating one of the country’s famous mummified 19th century bodies.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
MPs to decide on Speaker Fergus' invite flub as Conservatives advance effort to oust him
The federal Conservatives have advanced a motion that will force MPs to vote on whether to oust Greg Fergus as House of Commons Speaker, after MPs' deputy adjudicator ruled Monday that the Liberal member's allegedly errant partisan event invite required urgent attention.
WATCH Alta. man rescues wild foal trapped on steep cliffside
A man's daring rescue of a newborn wild foal that was trapped after falling down a steep embankment was caught on video over the weekend.