Just as it has for 165 years, the head of Simcoe County council will remain warden.

In a passionate debate that lasted an hour on Thursday, county councillors nixed an idea to change the head of council’s title to chair, to bring the county in line with the neighbouring regions.

“We have to look at our population, our geography and our challenges now and in the future, and we have to ask what governance structure works. Our governance structure has largely remained unchanged since the 1860s. We have to take a serious stab at change,” said the county’s governance committee chairman, Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor David White.

But what could have been a simple change – perhaps the least controversial of a series of moves, including changing the committee structure, how to elect a warden and changing the warden’s term from one to two years – was the most controversial with 18 mayors and deputy mayors supporting keeping the old title.

“This county is steeped in history, but I believe it is time to move forward. There was a time when I was against (changing the title), but after doing research, I can support the change,” said Penetanguishene Mayor Anita Dubeau.

Her neighbour, Midland Mayor Jim Downer, however, was the first to speak up against making the change. “I’d like to keep it as warden,” he said simply.

Then passions began to flare.

“(What matters) is how our county is run. We have shown the province in our growth study and at AMO (the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference) we are the County of Simcoe,” said Severn’s Mayor Judith Cox.

Respecting history and blending it with changing times is the key, said Essa’s Mayor David Guergis.

“Reeve is extinct,” he said, adding the term was nixed in the 1990s in towns and townships in favour of mayor. He also noted, however, Essa opted to remain a township, rather than change to town along with its neighbours, because of its sense of history.

“(Simcoe County) definitely, after 160-plus years, needs to move forward and start looking at these issues. We’re competing with other regions and counties that have consistency with leadership and responsibilities for committee chairs. Change is difficult. We have to move forward and be a leader.”

Adjala-Tosorontio Mayor Tom Walsh, however, said resisting peer pressure is also a way to be a leader.

“We’re the leader by leaving it warden. That’s how we’re leading and setting ourselves on a stand,” he said.