From left, Past Warden Gordon Patterson (Lavant, Dalhousie and North Sherbrooke), 2026 Warden Richard Kidd (Beckwith Reeve), and Past Wardens John Fenik (Perth) and Bill Dobson (Montague).
Beckwith Mayor Richard Kidd has been acclaimed as Lanark County Warden for 2026.
Kidd was nominated by Councillors Andrew Tennant (Carleton Place Deputy Mayor) and Brian Dowdall (Beckwith Deputy Reeve), who highlighted the value of his experience in light of election year challenges and in dealing with upper levels of government, as well as the effort he puts into his work.
The Beckwith Reeve spoke to how he sees the role the warden plays.
In addition to being the face of county council to the public and other levels of government, he said the role is also to build on the harmony within council that Past Wardens Toby Randell (Carleton Place Mayor), Steve Fournier (Drummond/North Elmsley Reeve) and Peter McLaren (Lanark Highlands Reeve) have created over the last three years.
Kidd spoke to how strong their operation is.
Kidd was acclaimed at Tuesday’s inaugural council meeting.
Committee chairpersons were approved at the meeting as well, including Councillor Toby Randell (Carleton Place Mayor) for Corporate Services, Councillor Rickey Minnille (Mississippi Mills Deputy Mayor) for Community Services, Councillor Jeff Carroll (Montague Deputy Reeve) for Economic Development and Councillor Steve Fournier (Drummond/North Elmsley Reeve) for Public Works.
Kidd also named a striking committee, which appoints members to various committees and boards. Council reconvenes Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. for its regular meeting.