Wellington North council held its final meeting here on Nov. 10 before the new government is sworn in on Dec. 1.
All of the current members will remain, with the exception of Mayor Ray Tout, who is to be replaced by councillor Andy Lennox. Steve McCabe will take the vacant seat in Ward 4.
Bidding farewell to councillors, Tout said he is proud of what they have accomplished together in the last four years.
“No one on the street will ever know the dedication you put forth in maintaining our services for everyone to enjoy. From the administration, recreation, roads, building, treasury, water and sewer … a big thank you from myself,” he said.
He went on to emphasize the debt reduction that has been achieved and the support given to local businesses in spite of tough decisions that often had to be made.
“Thank you for working together and adding your input to some very difficult decisions,” he said.
“Some will never know, how often you sat on the side of your bed at two o’clock in the morning wondering if your decision was ever right,” he reflected.
He added helming the township in the mayor’s seat isn’t easy.
“There’s an old railway saying: the mayor’s the one that runs the train and even rings the bell, but should this train jump its tracks, then it’s you who catches hell,” he said.
“My wish for the next council is that you represent us well in your decisions, that you continue to attract new business investment and keep letting the world know that this is the best damn place to live, work and play.”
