Following his swearing-in as SDG Warden for 2026 on Fri., Dec. 12, 2025, François Landry took his seat for a photo with his colleagues. Courtesy Photo
CORNWALL – North Stormont Mayor Francois Landry has been sworn in as 2026 SDG Counties Warden, succeeding South Glengarry Deputy Mayor Martin Lang, who held the position for 2025.
The ceremony took place during a special meeting of Counties’ Council on Fri., Dec. 12, 2025, at the Counties office in Cornwall.
The oath of office was administered by Kim Casselman, the director of corporate services and our clerk to for the United Counties.
The gold chain of office was placed on Landry’s shoulders by his North Stormont Colleague Stephen Densham, after which Landry was escorted to his chair by Councillors Tony Fraser and Carmel Williams, who had sponsored Landry for the position.
Outgoing Warden Lang placed the Warden’s pin on Landry’s Lapel, after which Landry made his first comments as Warden.
“I’m excited for the work ahead. We’ve got big plans on the go, from improving our roads and infrastructure, to supporting new business growth, to continuing to build strong partnerships across our communities. We’re also putting a real focus on welcoming visitors and showcasing everything that makes SDG Counties special. It’s going to be a year of rolling up our sleeves, working together, and making real progress for the people who call this region home,” said Warden Landry.
Warden Landry will lead SDG Counties’ efforts to implement the goals and community priorities set forth in the SDG Counties Strategic Plan and support key initiatives that shape the region’s future.
Throughout 2026, SDG Counties will continue advancing fiscally responsible governance while investing in critical infrastructure, economic development, and enhanced regional collaboration. Priority areas include strengthening regional partnerships and advocacy efforts with the City of Cornwall and neighbouring counties of Prescott-Russell, as well as supporting sustainable economic growth.
Dignitaries in attendance included Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry MP Eric Duncan, Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn, Prescott-Russell Warden Yves Laviolette and Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale. All congratulated Landry and expressed a desire for continued collaboration among all levels of government.
Terry Tinkess is a professional photographer, educator and journalist. He has been making a living with a camera and keyboard since 1999 and has been featured in such publications as The Ottawa Citizen, Cornwall Standard Freeholder, The Globe and Mail, The Miami Herald, Ottawa Construction News, The Ontario Construction Report, Ontario Home Builder Magazine, Reed Construction Data, Canadian Potato Business and most recently, The Record and Eastern Ontario AgriNews. Terry lives in Ingleside, Ontario with his wife Brenda, Mia the anxious Pittie and cats Wally and Chubbers.
