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
Freeland previews omnibus budget bill, proposed capital gains tax change left out
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will be tabling yet another omnibus bill to pass a sweeping range of measures promised in her April 16 federal budget, though left out of the legislation is the government's proposed capital gains tax change.
Man dies after suffering cardiac arrest while waiting in ER, widow wants investigation
When an ambulance took David Lippert to the hospital in March of 2023, the 68-year-old Kitchener, Ont., executive was hoping to find out why he was feeling weak and unable to walk. Some 24 hours later, he was found unresponsive in the ER.
Baby, grandparents among 4 people killed in wrong-way police chase on Ontario's Hwy. 401
A police chase which started with a liquor store robbery in Bowmanville Monday night ended in tragedy some 20 minutes later when a suspect fleeing police entered Highway 401 in the wrong direction and caused a pileup which killed an infant and the child's grandparents, as well as the suspect, investigators say.
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
McGill requests 'police assistance' over pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University says it has 'requested police assistance' about the pro-Palestinian encampment on its lower field.
Judge raises threat of jail in hush money trial as he holds Trump in contempt, fines him US$9,000
Donald Trump was held in contempt of court Tuesday and fined US$9,000 for repeatedly violating a gag order that barred him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors and some others connected to his New York hush money case. And if he does it again, the judge warned, he could be jailed.
Court upholds Milwaukee police officer's firing for posting racist memes after Sterling Brown arrest
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a former Milwaukee police officer was properly fired for posting racist memes related to the arrest of an NBA player that triggered a public outcry.
Video captures deadly wrong-way police chase on Highway 401 in Ontario
A new video has surfaced showing a vehicle being pursued by police in the wrong direction on Highway 401 moments prior to a fatal crash that killed four people, including an infant and their grandparents.
New cancer treatment approved, but not everyone thinks it's what's best for patients
A new cancer treatment recently approved in Canada promises to cut treatment time down to just minutes, but experts have differing opinions on whether it's what's best for patients.