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Vol.16 No. 6
Pelham’s independent news source from the Heart of Niagara
The
VOICE
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Proud to be
The Voice of Pelham
for 15 years
Celebrating our 15th anniversary in print
New CAO hired, set to begin work May 28 BY SARAH MURRELL VOICE Staff Following a national search with more than 55 potential candidates, Council of the Town of Pelham has filled the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) role – the key leadership position in the Town’s senior management staff. At a special meeting on Wednesday, April 11, Council officially ratified the recommendations of an ad hoc CAO Selection Committee to appoint Darren Ottaway as the new CAO, effective Monday, May 28. Ottaway has served more than 14 years as a Chief Administrative Officer, most recently in the Town of Grande Cache, Alberta (from 2006 to present). Previously Ottaway was the CAO at the Town of Churchill, Manitoba, and at the
Incorporated Community of South Indian Lake, Manitoba. In Grande Cache, some of Ottaway’s accomplishments include drafting and implementing a Strategic Sustainability & Community Revitalization Plan and managing the design and reconstruction of a $22 million recreation centre expansion. “We are very excited to have Ottaway lead our Pelham team,” said Mayor Dave Augustyn. “During the selection process, Darren demonstrated that he is a passionate, knowledgeable, professional and experienced leader who will work with Council, staff, and the community to realize our vision and strategic goals.” Augustyn explained the town utilized its shared service agreement with the Region to search for a new CAO. “We tried to make it as Pelham-centric as possible,” said Augustyn,
noting Councillors John Durley and Catherine King, along with Augustyn, comprised the hiring committee. There was a lot of interest in the position, from across the country, said Augustyn, noting the town used the networks we have, such as Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to broadcast the position. “It is why we had such a high level of competent and high number of applicants,” said Augustyn. “It’s how Mr. Ottaway saw it in Grand Cache as well. “Prior to this I don’t think he was reading the Voice every week,” joked Augustyn. “He brings a wealth of experience,” said Augustyn of Ottaway, going on to note Ottaway is very professional and focused on moving communities forward. “He’s an academic in the sense he thinks
broadly,” said Augustyn. “He thinks outside of the community.” “After researching and visiting Pelham firsthand, I was impressed,” said Ottaway. “Pelham is recognized as a progressive and vibrant community offering challenging leadership opportunities because of imminent growth. I look forward to working with all town staff and council to continue to move Pelham forward. And, being born and raised in Ontario, my family and I long for our ‘home-coming’.” Until May 28, when Ottaway formally begins employment, Craig Larmour, Director of Planning & Development, will continue to serve as the Town’s acting CAO. “I greatly appreciate Craig’s ongoing service as our acting CAO,” said Augustyn. “Mr. Larmour continues to work exceptionally well with staff, ensuring that major
Darren Ottoway
INSIDE
TURNING CLOTHES INTO BOOKS
In Train-ing Page 2
Pelham Library CEO Stephanie Stowe (right) and Deputy CEO Marsha Hunt display some of the clothing featured in the library’s upcoming clothing sale, running from April 23 to April 28 in the Festival Room. The sale will feature new, used and vintage clothing in all sizes, for all ages. Saturday features a “fill up a garbage bag for $5” sale. The sale will run during regular library hours. Gavin Chapman/Voice Photo
Niagara’s Only
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