Westport is saying goodbye to a longtime municipal leader, as Mayor Robin Jones has stepped away from council after more than a decade of service.
Jones formally retired from municipal politics on September 21st, following her decision to move her household outside the Village of Westport.
Jones had served on Westport Council for 13 years, including 12 years as mayor. Her departure brings an end to a municipal career that was part of nearly five decades of public service.
In announcing her retirement earlier this year, indicating she wasn’t seeking reelection, Jones said the decision was not made quickly or easily, describing public service as a defining part of her life and serving Westport as an honour and privilege.
During her time as mayor, Jones highlighted several accomplishments, including improvements to the Village’s financial position, investment in infrastructure and modernization of municipal administration.
Major projects during her tenure included the new wastewater system, reconstruction of Bedford Street and improvements to the Westport arena.
Jones also held several prominent municipal leadership positions beyond Westport, including Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, Chair of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association and President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
She leaves council thanking Westport residents, volunteers, businesses, staff and fellow councillors for their support throughout her years of service.
Council voted to appoint councillor Joe Aragona, who is mayor-elect due to his acclamation, as the head of council.
Story by Brian Turner
