Ask Renfrew Mayor Tom Sidney to briefly describe 2024 and his phrases include “life-altering” and “learning curve.”
In the roller coaster world of municipal politics, it was definitely a year of more downs than ups.
However, Sidney said the positives included a wealth of vital road and infrastructure work as well as the completion of several major master plans, including arts, culture and heritage, recreation and waterfront.
Among the challenges, the final report of the third-party review on the grossly overbudget Ma-Te-Way expansion project was released early in the year. According to the report, council failed to properly scrutinize the project. As councillor and recreation committee chair at the time, Sidney faced intense criticism. In January, in a 4-3 vote, council passed a motion of non-confidence in the mayor over the handling of the matter, and then in March, they called for him to resign and removed him from committees – yet you opted to not step down.
And while it was at times an extremely difficult time for him and his family, Sidney said the third-party review of the project and the learning that came from it, are among the things he’s grateful for.
More than 40 recommendations from the report have already been put in place and the town and council are working in a forward direction.
It’s something he hasn’t really spoken of publicly. So, what is his message for those critical of his role?
He said first and foremost, he wants to apologize. It was a different time, he said, with the town operating under a senior management model and not the CAO system that is now in place. Trust was a big factor in the process, he said, noting he believed the information he was getting was right.
The fallout from the Ma-te-Way project, including widespread media attention and public criticism, made for a very difficult year that “totally impacted me in not a positive way for a very long time.”
He said he feels council’s non-confidence vote and decision to remove him from committees was unjust but he respects their right to make the decision and is ready to move on from it.
He said he loves being mayor and is honoured to hold the position. First elected as a councillor 12 years ago, Sidney said he continues to learn.
He hopes to strengthen his relationships with councillors in the remaining two years of the term. And he’s incredibly grateful to those who have supported him this past year.
Sidney said he knows not everyone likes or supports him and that’s ok but he’s ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work for a town he loves.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
