Bonnie Clark, on the right, chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), welcomes Mario Zanth as vice chair of the EOWC for the remainder of 2026. Mr. Zanth serves as warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell. (United Counties of Prescott and Russell)
United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) Warden Mario Zanth has been elected Vice-Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) for the remainder of 2026, following a meeting of the organization’s board of directors on July 17.
Zanth, who is serving as UCPR Warden for 2026 and is also Mayor of the City of Clarence-Rockland, will help lead the regional municipal advocacy organization alongside EOWC Chair Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County.
The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus is a non-profit organization that represents 103 small urban and rural municipalities and approximately 1.1 million residents across eastern Ontario. The organization advocates on behalf of municipalities by working with provincial and federal governments, businesses, Indigenous leaders, non-profit organizations, and other regional partners on issues affecting local communities.
Over the years, the EOWC has coordinated regional initiatives related to broadband and cellular services, long-term care, municipal finance, paramedic services, and economic development.
“I am truly honoured to have been elected Vice-Chair of the EOWC, representing the UCPR,” Zanth said in a statement. “I am proud to work alongside such an outstanding team of wardens, mayors, chief administrative officers, and municipal staff who are committed to making eastern Ontario stronger.”
He thanked his colleagues for their confidence and said he looks forward to working closely with Chair Bonnie Clark and the rest of the EOWC leadership team.
“Together, through collaboration and partnership, we will continue to build a stronger future for our region,” he added.
Clark welcomed Zanth to the leadership role, saying the organization looks forward to his contributions as it continues to advance the shared priorities of eastern Ontario municipalities.
“We look forward to Vice-Chair Zanth’s leadership and contributions as the EOWC continues to advance the shared priorities of eastern Ontario municipalities and strengthen advocacy on issues that matter most to our rural and small-urban communities,” she said.
Zanth’s appointment places a representative from Prescott and Russell in a key leadership position within one of eastern Ontario’s principal municipal advocacy organizations, which regularly coordinates regional priorities and infrastructure initiatives across the area.
