Mario Zanth, the mayor of Clarence-Rockland and warden for the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, has been named the vice-chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) for the remainder of 2026.
The announcement was made following the EOWC’s board of directors meeting last month.
“I am truly honoured to have been elected vice-chair of the EOWC, representing the UCPR,” said Zanth following the announcement. “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.”
The EOWC is a non-profit organization that advocates for 103 small urban and rural municipalities and for 1.1 million residents across eastern Ontario. It champions regional municipal priorities by speaking with a united voice and by working with governments, businesses, non-profit organizations, Indigenous leaders, the media, and the public.
By combining resources, sharing local examples, and leveraging staff expertise and data, the EOWC has been able to advance progress for eastern Ontario through large-scale projects around broadband and cellular services, long-term care, municipal finance, paramedic services, and municipal economic development initiatives.
“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,” said Bonnie Clark, 2026 EOWC Chair and Peterborough County warden.
The vice-chair of the EOWC works alongside the hair to provide leadership, serve as a main point of contact, and advance strategic priorities and advocacy for rural and small-urban municipalities.
“Thank you to my colleagues for the confidence they have placed in me, and I look forward to working with our chair, Mrs. Bonnie Clark, as well as the entire EOWC team,” added Zanth. “Together, through collaboration and partnership, we will continue to build a stronger future for our region.”
Zanth has declared his intention to seek re-election as mayor of Clarence-Rockland. He is one of two candidates officially registered.
