Media Release

Cobourg, ON – December 18, 2024 – During today’s regular County Council meeting, Mayor Brian Ostrander of the Municipality of Brighton was unanimously re-elected as Warden of Northumberland County for the 2025 term. Under Warden Ostrander’s leadership, the County has tackled complex challenges, fostered collaboration, and advanced transformative projects that enhance the well-being of Northumberland residents.

Reflecting on the achievements of the past year at the final Council meeting of 2024, Warden Ostrander shared: “Through the collective efforts of Council, staff, and our community, we made significant progress in 2024.

“From addressing healthcare gaps with the launch of the Port Hope Walk-In Clinic, to advancing affordable housing initiatives, modernizing homeless shelter services, and making key infrastructure investments, we have worked collaboratively and diligently to meet the needs of our residents.

“This past year has highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation, in an environment of financial pressures and rising costs. Despite these challenges, we remained fiscally responsible, funding essential priorities while maintaining essential services.”

Warden Ostrander, who has served in municipal government since 2003, brings extensive experience and a commitment to building consensus that supports the development and well-being of communities across the region. He was nominated for a second term by Councillor Lucus Cleveland, Mayor of the Town of Cobourg, who highlighted Ostrander’s leadership style and principled approach.

“Debate at Council (in 2024) was at times vigorous, leading to detailed deliberations to address complex challenges,” stated Councillor Cleveland. “Brian Ostrander’s principled approach to finding common ground has been central to our greatest successes. These principles are core to the heart of his character. He consistently strives to lead Council in collaborative decision-making, fostering an environment where impassioned debate is encouraged and ensuring the best outcomes for Northumberland residents.”

Deputy Warden Olena Hankivsky, Mayor of Port Hope, was also re-elected to a second term, following a nomination by Councillor Bob Crate, Mayor of the Municipality of Trent Hills.

“It is a privilege to be re-elected and entrusted with this opportunity to serve our community,” stated Deputy Warden Hankivsky. “In this role, I am committed to fostering growth and enhancing the quality of life across Northumberland. By prioritizing transparency, innovative and critical decisions, and meaningful engagement, I am confident that our Council will continue addressing the unique needs of our residents.”

After donning the chain of office, Warden Ostrander expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue to serve as Warden and shared his vision for the coming year.

“It is an honour to have the trust and support of my fellow Council members to lead Northumberland County for another term,” he stated. “As we enter the third year of this Council term, I am energized by the ambitious plans ahead. From concluding major infrastructure projects such as the Golden Plough Lodge and Northumberland County Archives and Museum, to addressing critical issues such as homelessness, affordable housing, and rural broadband expansion, we are poised to make transformative progress.”

Warden Ostrander emphasized the importance of advocacy and partnership to address systemic challenges facing municipalities, including reliance on property taxes and the increasing complexity of local government responsibilities.

“We will continue advocating for a modernized funding framework that equips municipalities to meet today’s realities. By strengthening partnerships with our Indigenous neighbours, local municipalities, community organizations, and other levels of government, we can create more sustainable solutions to support our residents over the long term.”

Looking ahead, Warden Ostrander identified key priorities for 2025:

· Approving a County budget reflective of current economic conditions.

· Expanding access to affordable housing and childcare.

· Enhancing paramedic and social services.

· Maintaining and improving critical infrastructure.

“We have many reasons to be optimistic,” Warden Ostrander concluded. “Together, with the leadership of this Council and the strength of our community, we will continue to deliver on our commitments, meeting today’s needs while laying the groundwork for a bright future for Northumberland.”

During the meeting, County staff shared a video highlighting the many successes achieved in 2024. The full video can be viewed at Northumberland.ca/StrategicPlan.

The roles of Warden and Deputy Warden are one-year terms, filled by one of the seven members of County Council. For more information about the members of Northumberland County Council, please visit Northumberland.ca/MeetYourCouncil.

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Photos attached

1) 2025 Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander

2) 2025 Northumberland County Deputy Warden Olena Hankivsky

3) 2025 Northumberland County Council

For more information:
Kate Campbell
Director, Communications
Northumberland County
Phone: 905-372-3329 x2335

Email: campbellk@northumberlandcounty.ca

Web: www.northumberlandcounty.ca

About Northumberland County

Located on the traditional territory of the Mississauga, Northumberland County is a thriving community just one hour east of Toronto along Highway 401, with easy access to urban centres to the north, east and west. As the upper tier level of municipal government for the region, Northumberland County’s vision is to bring together people, partnerships and possibilities for a strong and vibrant Northumberland. Our community includes seven distinct yet complementary municipalities, with County Council comprised of the Mayors of each of these member municipalities:

• Township of Alnwick/Haldimand

• Municipality of Brighton

• Town of Cobourg

• Township of Cramahe

• Township of Hamilton

• Municipality of Port Hope

• Municipality of Trent Hills