‘New structure’: Caledon shuffles senior staff amid COVID-19 pandemic

Caledon has restructured several departments in a re-organization announced Oct. 29.

Caleonenterprise.com
November 3, 2020

Carey Herd, chief administrative officer, said in a press release that the town needs to focus resources on economic recovery, getting ready for significant population growth and responding to resident needs.

“The pandemic has put pressure on the town economically and has changed the way we need to serve our community,” said Herd.

“In addition, our population is going to grow to more than double in the next 20 years, which will impact every area of the organization. I believe this new structure allows us to pivot and prepare for a future that strengthens services to residents and businesses.”

Herd said the new structure puts a greater emphasis on digital technology, infrastructure planning, and economic development and tourism.

It also brings all customer service teams under one umbrella with communications to enhance the public’s experience when they interact with the town and receive information, she said.

Catherine McLean, former service manager, will oversee that department.

Heather Savage, former manager of recreation, will also lead recreation, corporate facilities and community development together into a community services department.

David Arbuckle, former head of strategic initiatives, is no longer listed as a department lead.

"Through this transition, as a responsible employer, it is our duty to respect the privacy of our employees, and we will not comment on individual situations," said McLean, when asked if anyone had been laid off in the restructuring.

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Former town staffer Andrew Pearce, who was with the City of Vaughan from 2008 to 2019 and before that with the Region of Peel, according to his profile on Linkedin, was brought in as director of engineering, transportation, development engineering and development inspections.

"We are thrilled to welcome Andrew Pearce as the director to the new engineering services team," said McLean.

"He comes to us from the City of Vaughan and brings the expertise we need to prepare us for growth and ensure we are ready to manage the infrastructure pressures we will be facing as our population doubles over the next 20 years."

Pearce also has a strong, 34-year history with municipalities in master planning, infrastructure delivery and land development while focusing on municipal best practices and processes, she said.

“Governments have been moving quickly to meet community needs in new ways. The Town of Caledon must do the same,” said Mayor Allan Thompson. “We need to be a municipality that is efficient and brings value to every taxpayer. We need businesses to thrive and grow, and new ones to come and invest. Council is pleased that the CAO is putting in a new structure that will support our success.”

Herd was hired in March as the new administrative head of the municipality -- being promoted from general manager and town clerk of corporate services.

In May, three of the town's top managers left -- Peggy Tollett, Casey Blakely and Angie Mitchell.

At that time the changes included bringing former employee Mark Sraga back into the role of chief building official and Sylvia Kirkwood, former manager of policy and sustainability, stepped into the newly created role of chief planner.

In the spring when the first wave of the pandemic hit, 45 full-time staff had been laid off.

McLean said they were all be brought back months ago.

"Many have returned to their home positions. Some continue to be redeployed to other areas as appropriate," she said.

For the majority of staff, their teams have not changed, McLean said.

"We are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead and feel confident we have the structure we need to strengthen services to residents and businesses and pivot to focus on a strong future for Caledon," she said.