On Wednesday, Bob Crate, Mayor of the Municipality of Trent Hills, was elected as Warden of Northumberland County for the final year of Council’s 2023–2026 term. Warden Crate previously served as Warden in 2022 and 2021. Mandy Martin, Mayor of Township of Cramahe, was also elected during this meeting as Deputy Warden, having previously served as Warden in 2023.
Under outgoing Warden Brian Ostrander’s leadership, Northumberland County navigated a year marked by significant pressures on municipal governments while continuing to advance essential services and major strategic priorities that support residents across the County. Reflecting on the past year during Council’s final meeting of 2025, outgoing Warden Ostrander acknowledged both the challenges faced and the progress achieved.
“2025 asked a great deal of our organization,” he stated. “I am incredibly proud of what Council and staff accomplished. In one of the most complex years local government has faced, staff continued to deliver high-quality services and advance major priorities for residents. I have every confidence the organization is well positioned to finish this term strong.”
Throughout 2025, the County advanced work across a broad range of priorities, including infrastructure renewal, broadband expansion, emergency services modernization, housing and homelessness supports, physician recruitment efforts, climate adaptation planning, and progress toward full operations at the new Golden Plough Lodge and Northumberland County Archives & Museum.
Looking ahead, Council will focus on completing remaining strategic plan commitments while advancing major projects, including the opening of the GPL&NCAM, continued broadband expansion, and moving the shovel-ready Trent River Crossing toward construction. Council will also support the transition to new administrative leadership with the appointment of a new Chief Administrative Officer in 2026.
New Warden Bob Crate, who has served in municipal government since 2010, brings extensive experience, strong community roots, and a collaborative leadership style to this role. He was nominated by John Logel, Mayor of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, who remarked that Warden Crate is recognized by Council for his proven leadership experience as Warden, his integrity, sound judgment, and his consistent focus on decisions that serve the best interests of residents across Northumberland County.
Deputy Warden Martin was elected following a nomination by Warden Crate, who noted their previous work together and expressed confidence in her leadership and contributions. He emphasized her experience, collaborative approach, and the value she brings to Council as they prepare to work together in these roles to help lead the County through the coming year.
“This final year of our four-year strategic plan is about finishing strong and staying focused on what comes next,” said Warden Crate. “We’re operating in a time of constant change, with new expectations and shifting policies coming at municipalities faster than ever. That means working together as one team – listening to residents, supporting staff, and advocating for the tools and funding our community needs to succeed.”
Deputy Warden Martin emphasized the importance of Council working as a unified team to support staff and residents while advancing major County initiatives in 2026. “Our success depends on how well we work together – listening to residents, respecting one another’s perspectives, and supporting staff,” she said. “If we remain aligned, we can continue to deliver meaningful progress for Northumberland.”
Following the election, outgoing Warden Brian Ostrander posted the following message on Facebook.
