There’s a new face in the role of Warden in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
Corinna Smith-Gatcke, the Mayor of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, has been elected by Leeds and Grenville Counties Councillors to serve in the position for 2025-2026.
Outgoing Warden Nancy Peckford, who served in the position for two terms, officially transferred the Chain of Office to Warden Smith-Gatcke during a ceremony that was attended by Counties Council, staff, and invited guests this week.
When addressing Council, Warden Smith-Gatcke noted the importance of infrastructure, saying “The most significant infrastructure projects the Counties has ever seen are underway with County Road 43 and the G. Tackaberry and Family Home”. She said, “It is
our job to make difficult decisions in very challenging times”, and she will “Support the expectations of Mayors, while challenging the organization to find efficiencies”. Warden Smith-Gatcke said, “Strong partnerships with provincial and federal representatives will
be imperative as we proactively look for funding opportunities to support the services and infrastructure projects of the future.”
Peckford also serves as the Mayor of North Grenville.
