Leeds and Thousand Islands appoints new councillor

Lansdowne resident Krista LeClair has been appointed as the new Ward 3 councillor for the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, following a unanimous vote at Monday night’s council meeting.

LeClair fills the seat left vacant by Brock Gorrell, who resigned on Sept. 30. She was one of four candidates considered for the position, along with Thomas Hopkins, Jason Page and former councillor John Paul Jackson.

LeClair studied community economic development and strategic leadership, focusing her studies on municipal politics and diversifying local councils. She said she looks forward to connecting with residents and helping to bridge the gap between community members and local government.

“I love to grow and serve,” said LeClair. “I also love making connections and leveraging partnerships.”

LeClair has experience serving on several local, regional, provincial and federal boards, including RTO9 and the Kingston Chamber of Commerce, and as executive director of Kingston Accommodation Partners.

Her appointment marks the second council vacancy filled this year. In March, Monique Antoine-Hartley was appointed as Ward 2 councillor following Mark Jamison’s resignation in December 2024.

LeClair joins Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Coun. Angela Kelman and Coun. Antoine-Hartley as the fourth woman currently serving on TLTI council.

Keith Dempsey is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Brockville Recorder and Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.