Adam Prudhomme
Editor
One good term as warden of Lennox and Addington County by Ric Breese deserves another.
That was the reasoning of council as the mayor of Loyalist was acclaimed for a second term during L&A County’s virtual meeting on Nov. 24. He’ll be officially sworn in on Dec. 8.
“I’m making this nomination because Ric has proven he’s capable and knowledgeable of the position,” said councillor Jim Hegadorn, who put forward Breese’s name during the nomination period. “During his position as warden, to the best of my knowledge, he’s fulfilled all the traditional duties as well as any additional ones that arose. The ongoing pandemic has continued to present many challenges and for his quick decision making, which Ric has done, while assuring the authority of us elected officials remains in place and democracy is maintained.”
When no other name was submitted, Breese was acclaimed for a second term.
Breese closed out the 2021 term with the annual valedictory remarks.
“I’d like to focus my comments today on the accomplishments of this county over the last year and make note that these accomplishments are directed and supported by this council, but I really want to publicaly acknowledge that it is the staff, under the leadership of the senior team, most of them are here tonight, that actually accomplish this very long list,” said Breese.
He went on to name some of the highlights of the year.
“In 2021 we begun of the process to modernize, streamline and create consistent approaches to our development approvals practice across all Lennox and Addington municipalities,” said Breese. “We’ve recognized the chair of the family council, the director and all the staff of the John M Parrott Centre for their outstanding work to support the residents and their families during this pandemic. That is truly amazing.”
He noted council has lobbied the province to remove the development fees charged to the county on a French language school being built in Kingston. Council has also increased social housing and affordable housing units within the county.
“We’ve created a community paramedicine program, providing vital health services across the community,” added Breese. “We made accessible improvements to many community properties. One small example is there’s a new ramp at the Amherstview Social Services offices. That’s a job well done.”
“We approved a new child care and early years services system plan for 2022-24 which outlines the strategic priorities to be implemented over a five year period,” he added.
He also credited the county for having completed several road projects, including the Deseronto-Belleville Road roundabout.
Breese was quick to praise several senior members of county staff, in particular CAO Brenda Orchard.
“Mrs. Orchard has done an absolutely amazing job,” said Breese. “She is the coach, she is the mentor, she is the boss, there’s no question about that but she has held the hand and guided this municipality, held my hand and guided this municipality-not literally-for the last year and she’s done a wonderful job.”
When it came time for the presentation typically made to a warden at the end of the term, Breese eschewed tradition. He instead made a donation in the name of county staff to the JMPC’s music garden project.