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County Council elects new Warden and Deputy Warden

December 22, 2022   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Simcoe County Council has elected Basil Clarke, mayor of Ramara, as the new County of Simcoe Warden for 2023 and 2024.

“It is a true honour to be elected to serve as Warden for the next two years, and I thank my fellow county councillors for their support,” Clarke said. “I know from my own experience at the county level that we face many challenges in the years ahead, but challenges often lead to opportunities, especially in a region as vibrant as Simcoe County. Opportunities that can advance our economy, enhance our infrastructure and further assist our residents and businesses. I look forward to serving and visiting communities across our great region over the next two years.”

With 22 years of municipal leadership experience, Clarke was first elected as a Ramara Township councillor in 2002. He was elected deputy mayor in 2006 and 2010, and as mayor in 2014, 2018, and 2022.

Entering his fifth term as a County of Simcoe councillor, Clarke has chaired the County’s Performance Management, Food and Agriculture Charter, and Economic Development Committees.

Clarke is a dairy and livestock farmer and his family previously ran a small retail business, supplying services to his region and adding to the Canadian agricultural supply.

Joining Clarke in the leadership of Simcoe County is Jennifer Coughlin, who was elected as deputy warden.

Coughlin was elected mayor of Springwater Township in 2022 after serving as councillor and deputy mayor in 2014 and 2018.

As a county councillor since 2018, Coughlin has served as chair of the County’s bursary committed and vice chair of the County’s human services, governance, and grant task force committees, as well as vice chair of the Simcoe County Housing Corporation board.

Before she entered politics, Coughlin worked as an early childhood educator and teacher and is still a supply teacher with the Simcoe Muskoka District Catholic School Board.


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