It’s the end of an era for several familiar faces around the Peterborough County Council table.
Nine members of County Council are concluding their terms following the October municipal election, with some departing after decades of public service.
The November 4 council meeting marked the final gathering of the 2022–2026 term, providing an opportunity to recognize outgoing members and reflect on their contributions over the past four years.
Among those saying goodbye are Jim Whelan of North Kawartha, who served for 24 years, and Sherry Senis of Selwyn Township, who spent 12 years on County Council.
The nine departing members are:
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Heather Watson – Douro-Dummer
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Lori Burtt – Asphodel-Norwood
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Sherry Senis – Selwyn Township
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Joe Taylor – Otonabee-South Monaghan
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Jim Whelan – North Kawartha
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Harold Nelson – Douro-Dummer
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Ryan Huntley – Cavan Monaghan
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Carol Armstrong – Trent Lakes
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Jim Martin – Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
Outgoing councillors reflect on years of service
For many of the departing members, their final meeting was an opportunity to recognize the relationships and accomplishments that defined their time in municipal politics.
Senis, who served 12 years on County Council, says she leaves feeling optimistic about the municipality’s future.
“Peterborough County is in the strongest position I have seen during my time at the table,” said Senis, crediting county staff, senior leadership and her fellow councillors.
Whelan, meanwhile, reflected on 24 years of service, thanking staff and council colleagues for their support.
Lori Burtt, who served eight years, said she would particularly miss the people she worked alongside.
“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,” she said.
Joe Taylor also emphasized the importance of teamwork, noting that accomplishments at the county level are rarely the result of one individual.
Technical problems disrupt final meeting
The farewell meeting was also affected by technical difficulties that prevented residents from properly watching or hearing the proceedings.
Peterborough County says problems with its YouTube livestream disrupted the broadcast, while a subsequent review determined the Zoom recording had also failed to capture audio or video.
The municipality apologized for the issue, particularly given the significance of the occasion.
To ensure the departing councillors’ reflections were not lost, the county released their farewell messages publicly.
Warden thanks departing members
Warden Bonnie Clark praised the outgoing councillors for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to their communities.
“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,” said Clark.
She also credited their willingness to collaborate and work respectfully with colleagues for helping strengthen county governance.
“To each of you, thank you for your service, your leadership, and your dedication to the residents of Peterborough County,” she added.
With the 2022–2026 term now complete, the county is preparing for a new council that will bring a different mix of elected representatives to the table.
