the OMAA Observer

14 September 2023

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Provincial News

Yesterday Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra asked the legislature's Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure & Cultural Policy to undertake the work of assessing regional government structures in Durham, Halton, Niagara, Simcoe, Waterloo, and York.

 

Included in a posting on X, the letter referenced that the Province was considering appointing facilitators for this work but now believe the Standing committee is a more appropriate vehicle because it can "work in a manner that is public, open, and accountable". 

 

You can read the letter by clicking on the link below.

Read the Letter Here

Coming Attractions

OMAA launched a new website and several new member services over the summer. But since many of you may have been away we are inviting you to a 30 minute overview session.

 

Join OMAA President Peter Neufeld and ED Scott Vokey online tomorrow Fri Sep 15 2023 at 12 for a snappy overview of our revamped platform and upgraded services.

 

With our new website, we have designed a user-friendly interface that provides easy navigation and access to valuable resources. Discover a wealth of information, articles, and industry insights to help you stay ahead. Our improved member services offer exclusive perks, networking opportunities, and access to a vibrant community of professionals in the field.

Sign Up Here

Last Chance for Fall Workshop Early Bird

 

Check out the Program At A Glance.

 

Register before September 15 to take advantage of early bird pricing. 

Register
 
 

OMAA is pleased to offer a CAO Connection Lunch from 12-130 pm Friday September 22 at The Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water's Edge:    

 

The CAO Role in Asset Management
Dan Wilson, CAO Township of Centre Wellington

 

Municipalities in Ontario face yet another implementation deadline for asset management planning in 2024, with Ontario Regulation 588/17 requiring plans incorporating all assets by July 1st.  Another deadline exists in 2025 for a more comprehensive plan. During this implementation period, the role of CAOs will be instrumental in ensuring a corporate wide approach rather than a purely finance or engineering focused process. As a current CAO and former partner of Watson and Associates, Dan will outline the provincial asset management requirements, the role of the CAO, and the benefits (beyond simple compliance) to be derived from a corporate wide approach.

 

Registration is free for Members and $25 for Non-Members. 

CAO Lunch Registration

Job Board

General Manager, Corporate Services

Town of East Gwillimbury

Located just 30 minutes north of Toronto along Highway 404, East Gwillimbury (EG) is Canada’s fastest growing municipality* focused on modernization, innovation, and creativity. Those joining Team EG will help shape the future of the community. As an award-winning organization, EG offers competitive wages and benefits and prioritizes the mental and physical well-being of its employees through social events, wellness programs, and fitness facilities. Employees also have access to more than 50 kms of trails to enjoy the beauty of EG while at work. The Town of East Gwillimbury is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process and as we grow, it is important our workforce reflects the citizens we serve. We respect, encourage, and celebrate our diversity. Join our team and see the EG difference!   

 

This important member of the Town’s senior leadership team will report to the Chief Administrative Officer and will be responsible for the strategic leadership and financial management of Corporate Services for the Town of East Gwillimbury including Communication and Customer Service, Modernization and Transformation Services, Human Resources, and organization wide priorities such as Environmental Initiatives, Asset Management, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion In this leadership role, you will provide strategic influence and direction to departmental Directors while working closely with the Senior Management Team to effectively implement Council Strategic priorities and modernize Town practices to ensure outstanding internal and external service delivery. You will also promote and support a culture of belonging.*(based on 2021 Census data) Rate of Pay: $168,987 - $198,806 (Band 13) Deadline for applications is October 6, 2023

More Info

Director, Development Services

Township of Oro-Medonte

The Township of Oro-Medonte is a picturesque and progressive municipality on Lake Simcoe, located between the cities of Barrie and Orillia, with a population of approx. 23,000, and a land area of 61,000 hectares. It includes a number of settlement areas that continue to urbanize and grow.  Oro-Medonte provides residents and visitors unparalleled, year-round recreational opportunities, the riches of life in a rural setting, with the convenience of being just a short drive to the Greater Toronto Area. As one of Ontario’s premier quality of life communities, the Township of Oro-Medonte is committed to its strategic goals including: Preparing for Our Future, Fostering Safe and Inclusive Community Living & Business Growth, Modernizing Township Services & Supporting our Workforce. The Township is seeking an experienced municipal professional as our Director, Development Services.  Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, and as a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director will provide oversight and leadership for the Development Services Department; with responsibility for the Planning, Building, Development Engineering and the Municipal Law divisions. The preferred candidate will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to implement policies and procedures of Council, by optimizing municipal resources in an efficient and effective delivery of services to the community. 

 

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader with a proven ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and foster an environment of empowerment, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement, aligning with the Township’s commitment to Public Service Excellence. As Director, you will inspire, mentor, and supervise staff to ensure effective and efficient management of; development design and review, long range planning, Municipal Law Enforcement; and in conjunction with the CBO, ensure adherence to the Ontario Building Code.  The Director will prepare and implement the department’s operating and capital budgets; prepare and/or review staff reports to Council and Committees and attend Council meetings; manage the Environmental Initiative portfolio, and appear before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and/or other tribunals as an expert witness. Key opportunities of the role to shape and make a difference in Oro-Medonte include: taking a leadership role in finalizing the design/development of the Craighurst community expansion; maximizing opportunities to foster employment growth along the Highway 11 corridor and Lake Simcoe Regional Airport employment lands; and taking a leadership role regarding ongoing development in the Horseshoe Valley settlement area. The Township of Oro-Medonte offers a flexible/hybrid work environment. This senior management position offers a salary commensurate with experience and education (2024 salary range $135,293 - $164,449) plus a competitive benefit package. Individuals having the required qualifications and experience are encouraged to submit a resume and letter of application. 

More Info

Chief Administrative Officer

The Township of Brock

The Township of Brock is located on the east shore of Lake Simcoe within the Region of Durham, approximately 1.5 hours northeast of Toronto. The municipality represents three distinct urban areas, numerous hamlets, and beautiful countryside. While agriculture is our largest employer, a full range of commercial and industrial businesses are located within the urban areas of Beaverton, Cannington, and Sunderland with a population of just over 12,500. Brock Township’s location on Lake Simcoe and the Trent-Severn Waterway make it a popular destination for tourists - both summer and winter.The Township of Brock is seeking an outstanding leader for the role of Chief Administrative Officer. The Township and staff team have been in a state of renewal and transition over the past three years. These changes will continue for the foreseeable future and the CAO’s mandate will be to bring internal stability, calm, and cohesion to the organization. Demonstrated through effective communication, a high level of emotional intelligence, and compassion, the CAO will apply best practices to ensure development, engagement, and retention of our staff complement.The CAO will enable their team of five (5) directors to manage in the ever-changing landscape while ensuring continuous improvement within the organization of both unionized and non-unionized employees.In addition, the CAO will be expected to have exceptional communication skills and will be a consensus builder who enjoys working collaboratively with Council and staff to create a better Brock. A true leader who believes in the values of honesty and commitment is the candidate we hope to hire. Someone who works to support Council and Staff to build resiliency, trust, and improve service delivery.

More Info

Chief Administrative Officer

St. Thomas

Nestled along Lake Erie’s north shore in the heart of southwestern Ontario’s farm country, Elgin County has everything you need to live the life you’ve always dreamed about. Elgin is an oasis of rural peace and tranquility with all the amenities and conveniences of a larger urban centre without all the hassles. Elgin’s residents enjoy a competitive cost of living, have access to first class medical facilities, and can choose from a wide selection of educational institutions. Residents and visitors alike have easy access to the Elgin’s pristine natural environment. Carolinian Forest trails, sandy beaches, and public parks are a few steps away. The main streets of Elgin’s vibrant towns and villages are lined with a myriad of innovative businesses owned and operated by dedicated entrepreneurs. Fresh local produce grown in Elgin’s fertile soils is readily available at local markets. Beautiful homes and properties at affordable prices make Elgin an ideal place to call home. Elgin’s commercial and industrial sector also continues to thrive. Small and medium-sized manufacturers continue to be at the progressive forefront of technological innovation. Recent developments include Amazon’s Fulfillment Warehouse, opening October 2023, the company will be hiring over 1,000 full-time employees. Volkswagen has announced they will be building the world’s largest electric-vehicle battery plant in the region, adding several more thousand jobs and spurring additional investments. With a combined 2023 operating and capital budget of approximately $92.6 and 500 permanent and part-time employees, Elgin County is committed to meeting the needs of our seven partner municipalities, our 52,00 residents and the business community by delivering efficient and effective services. Inspire our Future as our Chief Administrative Officer.

 

The ideal candidate will be an inspiring, principled, and collaborative leader with a proven track record of results and accomplishments in municipal government or related business environment. You have exceptional communication skills, political acumen, and the ability to foster partnerships with diverse stakeholders while engaging and inspiring our employees and ensuring customer service excellence. Reporting to the Warden and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for the strategic leadership and efficient delivery of all the County’s administrative and operational services. As the key advisor to Council, you have the vision to develop and implement operational plans and ensure the coordination of services which align with and support our strategic priorities. You will recommend innovative and fiscally sound policies, plans, and programs that benefit our member municipalities and County residents. You will work to promote growth and development in the County and ensure the effective utilization of resources while focusing on priorities established by Council. Leading a talented team of employees, and working in a complex unionized environment, the ideal candidate will guide and inspire a dedicated workforce, fostering a workplace culture focused on service excellence, innovative thinking, and teamwork while positioning the Elgin County as an employer of choice. The County offers a competitive total rewards package including generous benefits, a generous vacation schedule, and a work-life balance program. 

More Info

Chief Administrative Officer-Clerk

Minden Hills

The Township of Minden Hills is located in Haliburton County and includes the Town of Minden, and surrounding communities of Ingoldsby, Lochlin, Gelert, Moore’s Falls and Irondale. The area population is approximately 7,000 permanent residents which increases significantly during the summer months with the arrival of seasonal residents and visitors. Considered the gateway to the Haliburton Highlands, Minden Hills is a vibrant community, experiencing recent growth that is rich in tradition and strives to ignite the passions of community, recreation, art, music, and the outdoors.  The Township of Minden Hills is recruiting for a new Full-Time Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Reporting directly to the Mayor and Council, the CAO provides vision, strategic and inclusive leadership to the entire organization during these times of growth and change. This is an executive position in Central Ontario, located within Haliburton County. It is an opportunity for a career minded leader to make a significant contribution and positive influence on this community.  

More Info

Member Profile

Denise Corry is an OMAA Board Member and CAO of the Town of Huntsville.

 

How long have you been a member of OMAA?

Almost 10 years

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I won the top prize (a 4 wheeler) at a KICX’s Annual Bash

What’s one thing — either industry-related or not — you learned in the last month?

Resiliency is so important in both our personal and professional lives

What do you define success?

Success to me is not only about “having a voice” but also about “wanting to be heard”

What is the next place on your travel bucket list?

I never had the opportunity to travel much in the past, so my list is very long.  If I had to narrow it down I would have to say Italy would top the list.

Do you have a book recommendation?

Lean in by Sheryl Sandberg 

Skipperisms

I really like my friend Summer. But sometimes she makes silly arguments.

 

The other day after I said I was eating less beef because raising cows requires too much water and land and emits a lot of carbon. She said “so you want to force everyone to be a vegetarian”.

 

This straw man argument was an exaggerated oversimplification that clearly misrepresented my point. A lot of people try to build straw versions of the original argument so they can more easily knock it down to claim victory. However, I didn’t say I was going to be a vegetarian--I like chicken way too much.

 

I tried to counter by pointing out the use of the straw man by explaining how her version differed from my original position.

 

But then she said my breath smells.

I was too tired to explain to her about ad hominems.

OMAA Picks

  • Cities Today: platform for city leaders for mobility, IoT, safety and security, resilience and resource efficiency.
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  • Darebee: is a non-profit free, ad-free and product placement free global fitness resource with 2000+ workouts.

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