There’s a new Warden for the United Counties of Leeds Grenville.
On Thursday, Roger Haley was sworn in as the new Warden for the term beginning this month and ending in November of 2022.
Haley has been Mayor of Front of Yonge for four terms and he’s also been a member of municipal council since 2002.
In his opening address, Haley said it has been a difficult year for everyone due to the pandemic and that issues related to COVID-19 will continue well into 2021.
“We have all been doing business in different ways but what hasn’t changed is our mandate to provide services to the people of Leeds and Grenville, whether that be health care, emergency care, good roads, safe housing, economic development, community, or social programs,” he said.
Haley commended area long-term health care workers, paramedics, public works, and social services staff for their continued dedication to the area.
He also noted communication is key and municipalities need to work together.
“Sometimes in our passion for our own communities the ‘W’ in the word ‘We’ gets tipped on its side and leans toward turning into the word ‘Me,” Haley said. “When we are here, at Counties Council, we have to remember we are wearing two hats.”
Haley adds that he wants to see all Leeds Grenville communities working together, including the separated municipalities of Brockville, Prescott and Gananoque.
He also noted the ongoing major projects continuing into his term, including the expansion at Maple View Lodge, Highway 43, improved broadband, affordable housing, and improved response times for paramedics.
Outgoing Warden Pat Sayeau welcomed Haley and passed the Chain of Office following social distancing rules.
He also thanked the entire staff in the United Counties for their help during his term of office.
“I have appreciated their help very much. I also wanted to say to members of Counties Council that it has been a pleasure and an honour to serve as Warden for the past two years, and I’ve appreciated the support that I’ve received throughout that time,” Sayeau said.
Counties Council representatives joined the inaugural swearing in of the Warden via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions.