Making up the County of Renfrew delegation for the Queen’s Park Advocacy Day on November 20 were (from left) Gwen Dombroski, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk; Andrea Patrick, Director of Community Services; Jason Davis, Director of Development and Property; County Councillor Michael Donohue; Taylor Hanrath, Manager of Capital Works; County Councillor Anne Giardini; Dean Quade, Acting Director of Long-Term Care; Warden Peter Emon; Lee Perkins, Director of Public Works and Engineering; Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault; County Councillors Glenn Doncaster and Jennifer Murphy; Ivan Burton, Chief Administrative Officer Township of Whitewater Region; Craig Kelly, County of Renfrew Chief Administrative Officer; County Councillor Neil Nicholson; Sarah Selle, Mental Health Services Director, Pembroke Regional Hospital and Melissa Marquardt, Manager of Economic Development. County of Renfrew photo
The County of Renfrew delegation visited Queen’s Park on Wednesday, Nov. 20 for “County of Renfrew Day,” a full day of advocacy sessions with several provincial ministries aimed at advancing rural priorities across the region.
Using the County’s advocacy framework — which highlights infrastructure, healthcare, housing, economic development, and strong rural representation — the delegation reported progress on several key files. Members met with more than 16 Ontario ministers and parliamentary assistants.
Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke MPP Billy Denault played a central role in organizing the meetings and participated actively in discussions throughout the day.
Meetings with the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ministry of Transportation reaffirmed the importance of the Highway 417 twinning extension and the Highway 17 corridor. Officials also identified next steps to modernize several key intersections to enhance safety and improve traffic flow.
Discussions with the Ministry of Health — including Mental Health and Addictions — focused on expanding Community Paramedicine supports and improving healthcare access across rural municipalities, including growth of the Mesa and HART Hub (Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub) initiatives.
A productive session with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing helped clarify funding options and regulatory supports for seniors’ supportive housing and municipal modernization.
(Richard Evans)
