It’s official.
Mario Zanth has filed his nomination papers and is seeking another mayoral term in Clarence-Rockland.
“It was an easy decision for me,” said Zanth. “We did a lot of good things as a council the last few years, and I want to build on that momentum.”
Zanth began his career in local politics in 2014, serving as the municipal councillor for Ward 2 in Clarence-Rockland until his appointment to the city’s mayor chair. He assumed office in August 2021 following the passing of former Mayor Guy Desjardins, and was officially elected by voters to a full term in the 2022 municipal elections.
Zanth has prioritized regional infrastructure modernization, including the widening of County Road 17, alongside financial frameworks to support local housing development.
“Not every municipality is perfect and if there was one, we would all be living there together,” said Zanth. “But I feel we are accomplishing some of the things that our citizens want us to and have asked for.”
He was acclaimed as warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) in December pf 2025 to serve as the regional head and Chairperson of Council for the 2026 term. He has recently drawn regional and national attention for leading a unanimous UCPR council vote to block the federal Crown corporation, Alto, from accessing county property for drone and environmental surveys related to a proposed Ottawa-to-Montreal high-speed rail line. Zanth strongly rejected signing non-disclosure agreements with the project developers, citing a need for local autonomy and transparency, famously stating that « nation building shouldn’t come at the cost of community dividing ».
“Leadership is not just a job, it is showing people some action,” added Zanth.
Zanth said that one aspect he would like to work on is stronger communication between the City and its residents. He is starting a podcast, where he will host guests to talk about the issues impacting the people of Clarence-Rockland. He also would like to start sending newsletters, especially after council meeting, giving residents an overview of the topics discussed during each session.
“I think we can do a better job of informing people on what is happening in their city,” stated Zanth. “And I am committed to doing that. Our city is facing some challenges, and we have some major developments and projects that are happening. We need to be as open and transparent with our citizens.”
Beyond municipal government, Zanth has a career in the federal public service, working as a program analyst in the policy sector for the Department of Justice Canada. He revealed that he has officially retired his federal government job to solely dedicating his time and efforts as full-time mayor of Clarence-Rockland. If re-elected as mayor of Clarence-Rockland, Zanth said his next term will see an emphasis on mental health resources, the local arts scene and cooperating and communication, in both languages, between the City and its residents.
“I look forward to speaking to residents and understanding what their needs are,” said Zanth.
