Peterborough County Recognizes Outgoing Members of 2022–2026 Council
Final Council meeting marks the contributions, years of service and dedication of nine departing members
Peterborough County, ON – Peterborough County recognizes and thanks the nine members of County Council who are concluding their terms following the 2022–2026 term of Council.
The November 4, 2026, Council meeting marked the final meeting of the current term of Council and provided an opportunity to reflect on the work accomplished over the past four years, recognize the years of service contributed by outgoing members, and acknowledge the important role of elected officials in representing their communities.
Unfortunately, technical difficulties affected the livestream of the meeting on the County's YouTube channel, preventing the public from properly seeing and hearing the proceedings. A subsequent review confirmed that the Zoom recording also did not capture audio or visuals. The County sincerely regrets that residents were unable to fully experience this important meeting, particularly on a day intended to recognize and celebrate the contributions of outgoing members of Council.
To ensure the reflections and recognition shared during this special occasion are not lost, the County is pleased to share messages from its departing members and Warden Bonnie Clark.
Reflections from outgoing members of Council
The nine departing members reflected on their time serving Peterborough County and their communities, highlighting the relationships built, accomplishments achieved, and the important contributions of County staff and fellow Council members.
Heather Watson – Township of Douro-Dummer
“Serving this community has been a privilege. I’ve learned a lot, which is largely due to the many professional and dedicated people I have had the opportunity to work with. I am excited for what is ahead.”
Lori Burtt – Township of Asphodel-Norwood
“It has truly been an honour and a privilege to work alongside everyone - at our individual townships and at the county level over the past eight years. Under the leadership of previous Warden Jones and our current tireless leader, Warden Bonnie Clark, we have worked for the betterment of our community and our residents.
Thank you to the leadership team and staff, guided by our CAO, Sheridan Graham, for their knowledge and professionalism.
There are some things I won’t miss sitting around this table, but I will miss every single person in this room and the relationships we have built. Thank you all!”
Sherry Senis – Selwyn Township
“After 12 years on County Council, I leave with great pride in what we have accomplished together. Peterborough County is in the strongest position I have seen during my time at the table, thanks to the leadership of our CAO, the dedication of County staff, and the collaborative efforts of County Council. It has been an honour to serve our residents and work alongside such committed colleagues.”
Joe Taylor – Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan
“Any success we have achieved has been the result of a collective effort. Success is rarely, if ever, accomplished by one individual. More often, it is made possible through the expertise, dedication, and support of our exceptional staff, whose contributions are fundamental to everything we do."
Jim Whelan – Township of North Kawartha
“I would like to thank County staff and my fellow members of Council for their support and dedication over 24 memorable years. I am especially grateful for the exceptional leadership provided by our CAO, whose vision and dedication has guided the County's success over this last term.”
Harold Nelson – Township of Douro-Dummer
Harold Nelson expressed his appreciation to his fellow Council members and County staff for their dedication and support throughout the term. He reflected on the positive working relationships developed over the years.
Ryan Huntley – Township of Cavan Monaghan
Ryan Huntley shared that his time on County Council had been both valuable and rewarding, providing him with many learning opportunities and a deeper understanding of County governance. He thanked his colleagues for their encouragement and collaboration and expressed his gratitude to County staff for their expertise and commitment to serving the community. He also recognized the mutual respect and teamwork that contributed to many accomplishments over the term.
Carol Armstrong – Municipality of Trent Lakes
Carol Armstrong thanked Council members and staff for their support throughout the term. She spoke warmly of the friendships formed, the collaborative spirit that guided Council's work, and the privilege of serving alongside such dedicated individuals.
Jim Martin – Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
Jim Martin reflected on his time on County Council with pride, noting the significant progress achieved and the many initiatives advanced during the term. He described the experience as both meaningful and successful and thanked the CAO for her exceptional leadership, guidance and dedication. He also expressed appreciation to his fellow Council members and staff for their collective efforts in serving the residents of the County.
A message of appreciation from the Warden
Warden Bonnie Clark acknowledged the contributions of each departing member and expressed her gratitude for their commitment to public service.
“Through their dedication, leadership, and commitment to public service, each of these individuals has made a meaningful contribution to their communities and to Peterborough County. Throughout their time on Council, they demonstrated a high degree of respect, professionalism, and integrity in carrying out their responsibilities, reflecting the calibre of the individuals chosen to represent our member municipalities. Their willingness to work collaboratively helped foster thoughtful decision-making and strengthened County governance.
To each of you, thank you for your service, your leadership, and your dedication to the residents of Peterborough County. It has been a privilege to work alongside you, and we are sincerely grateful for the lasting contributions you have made to our communities and the positive legacy you leave for future Councils.”
As the 2022–2026 term comes to a close, Peterborough County extends its sincere thanks to Heather Watson, Lori Burtt, Sherry Senis, Joe Taylor, Jim Whelan, Harold Nelson, Ryan Huntley, Carol Armstrong and Jim Martin for their years of service, leadership and commitment to their communities.
Their contributions have helped shape Peterborough County, and their dedication to public service will remain part of the County's history. The County wishes each of them every success in the next chapter.
View the full November 4, 2026, County Council meeting minutes.
For more information, please contact:
Tracie Bertrand
General Manager, Tourism and Communications
communications@ptbocounty.ca
705-7
View the images from the November 4th, 2026 County Council Meeting