Warden Robinson inaugurated for third successive term

By Debbi Christinck Staff Writer

Pembroke – It was an unusual inaugural session for Renfrew County council last Tuesday as Warden Debbie Robinson was inaugurated for her third consecutive term, this time in a hybrid session of council.

“The chain of office does not feel as heavy as it did the first year,” she noted to the assembled mayors and reeves, some present in chambers and others tuning in over ZOOM

Perhaps it was fitting for a warden who was first inaugurated in December 2019, just prior to the COVID pandemic when the thought of restrictions, virtual gatherings, ZOOM meetings, masks and plexiglass surrounding each member of council would have been unheard of. However, the effects of the pandemic would mark her third inaugural with a meeting with about two-thirds of the members of county council in chambers and the rest tuning in over ZOOM. Even the guests who normally bring greetings were all extending their best wishes over ZOOM

The warden pointed out this was the first hybrid inaugural meeting. She added there have been many firsts in the last two years.

Warden Robinson was nominated by Admaston/Bromley Mayor Michael Donohue.

“Though often a political trope, there are those whose leadership is precisely attuned to their time,” he said. “Over a tumultuous tenure, two years of absolutely unparalleled challenge, Debbie Robinson has been an exceptional warden.

“While the COVID-19 response has, appropriately, consumed much oxygen – and ink – in the health care sector, the transformation of Ontario’s health system has continued apace. Debbie has staked out a position for the county at the forefront of this transformation,” he said. “Her indefatigable advocacy for the Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre, or VTAC, has indelibly impressed upon Premier (Doug) Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott that this innovative program, created and developed right here in Renfrew

County, must become permanent,” Mayor Donohue noted. The seconder for the nomination, Renfrew Reeve Peter Emon, said it has been a privilege to work with the warden in the last two years.

“Our political will has never been stronger and Debbie exemplifies that,” he said.

“Having overserved her in action speaking with ministers I know she is very well respected,” he added.

Too often people in the political world ask what others can do to improve things.

“Debbie’s motto has been ‘what can we do?’,” he noted.

Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP

John Yakabuski expressed his congratulations to the three-term warden.

“It is even more special when you are unopposed,” he added.

He pointed out she has been the warden during a challenging time with COVID and has never wavered.

“The symbiotic relationship between the province and municipalities was strengthened in this time,” he added.

There have been historic investments in long-term care, Mr. Yakabuski said.

“COVID brought that focus to longterm care like never before,” he said.

Noting the recent provincial announcement of $12 million to Renfrew County for infrastructure will be very important, he said the province is investing in the county.

“This recognizes there is work that has been done and much to be done,” he said.

Mr. Yakabuski said by the province giving the county the flexibility to make changes as needed to the Official Plan gives “Renfrew County that additional tool in the toolbox to be successful.”

Noting a lot has been done in the last two years, he said he does not believe there is a warden he has had more interaction with because of the nature of the world today.

Warden Robinson pointed out Mr. Yakabuski has been involved in seven major projects recently. She said the County of Renfrew is the envy of the other counties in Eastern Ontario. See Page A5