Renfrew will roll into the end of the year without its top representative at the helm.
Town staff have announced that Mayor Tom Sidney will take a temporary leave of absence from his duties effective Friday, October 10th, as he attends to what they are calling “an important family matter.”
Reeve Peter Emon will assume leadership responsibilities on behalf of the council, chairing council and committee meetings until the mayor’s return on December 12th. Emon will also represent the town at official functions and community events alongside his fellow councillors while Sidney is absent.
In a written statement, Sidney says, “This decision was made after much thought, and while it was not an easy one, it is necessary for me to prioritize my family over the next couple of months. I am deeply grateful to Council, staff, and the community for their understanding and support.”
Town operations and council business are expected to continue as usual under Emon, who notes that many in the community are increasingly “called upon to fill the emotionally demanding, tiring, and all-consuming role of caregiver to declining family members” and wishes Sidney “strength, compassion, and clarity of thought during his absence.”
(written by Kasey Egan)
