Councillor Richard Kidd acclaimed as 2026 Lanark County warden

Councillor Richard Kidd (Beckwith Reeve) has been acclaimed as Lanark County’s 2026 warden, returning to the county’s top political role for a fourth time following an inaugural meeting this Tuesday afternoon.

Kidd, who previously served as warden in 2005, 2009 and 2019, was nominated by Carleton Place Deputy Mayor Andrew Tennant and Brian Dowdall (Beckwith Deputy Reeve). Both councillors pointed to Kidd’s steady leadership, experience navigating upper levels of government and ability to guide council through election-year challenges.

Kidd shared that he was honoured to take on the role again, calling the warden’s responsibilities both meaningful and deeply collaborative.

“The responsibility of being warden, I believe, is to make sure the lines of communication are good between staff and council,” he said, “and that recommendations made by staff are heard and understood by council and that the council decisions are carried out by staff.”

Kidd also emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony around the council table, crediting the past three wardens — Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randell, Drummond/North Elmsley Reeve Steve Fournier, and Lanark Highlands Reeve Peter McLaren — with fostering a productive and respectful atmosphere in their tenures.

“It’s an honour to be the warden and your team leader for 2026. We have a great team that includes staff,” he said. “Our diverse backgrounds make us a strong team of decision makers. One thing we all have in common is that we care for the long-term well-being of Lanark County and its residents.”

Past wardens John Fenik (Perth), Bill Dobson (Montague) and Gordon Patterson (Lanark Highlands) were also in attendance for the ceremony.

Committee chair positions for 2026 were also confirmed during the meeting. Randell will chair Corporate Services; Mississippi Mills Deputy Mayor Rickey Minnille will chair Community Services; Montague Deputy Reeve Jeff Carroll will oversee Economic Development; and Fournier will chair Public Works.