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
'Do not drive': Nissan warns Canadian drivers of explosion risk impacting 48,000 vehicles
Car manufacturer Nissan has issued a do-not-drive warning for some older vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators, due to the risk of explosion during a crash.
BREAKING Jury deliberations begin in Donald Trump's hush money criminal case
Jury deliberations began Wednesday in Donald Trump’s hush money trial, putting the outcome of the historic case in the hands of a dozen New Yorkers who have vowed to be fair and impartial in the face of their unprecedented task.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
P.E.I. kiteboarder 'lucky to be alive' after shark attack in Turks and Caicos
A professional kiteboarder from P.E.I. says he has been seriously injured in a shark attack that occurred while he was snorkelling in the Turks and Caicos Islands last week.
'Scandals and secrets': On board the world's most exclusive private residential ship
It’s a floating city exclusively home to the 1 per cent, a playground for multimillionaires and billionaires that circumnavigates the world's oceans.
What weather experts say to expect this summer in Canada
Get ready to feel the heat, Canada. Weather experts are predicting more sunshine and warmer temperatures for the summer.
Canada announces $11B for military aircraft training
Canada has announced an $11.2-billion contract to improve training platforms for the military, including the purchase of 70 training aircraft for the Future Aircrew Training program.
CNN exclusive: A federal grand jury may soon hear from Sean 'Diddy' Combs' accusers
Federal investigators are preparing to bring accusers of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs before a federal grand jury, two sources familiar with the probe tell CNN — signaling the U.S. Justice Department is moving toward potentially seeking an indictment of Combs.
In bizarre provocation, North Korea flies trash, manure balloons over the South
North Korea flew hundreds of balloons carrying trash and manure toward South Korea in one of its most bizarre provocations against its rival in years, prompting the South’s military to mobilize chemical and explosive response teams to recover objects and debris in different parts of the country.