Corp Comm Connects

Gus Michaels named Vaughan’s new deputy city manager for community services

Michaels fills position that had been left vacant for nearly six months

Thestar.com
December 17, 2021
Dina Al-Shibeeb

Vaughan City Hall on Major MacKenzie Drive in Maple.

Gus Michaels is Vaughan’s new deputy city manager for community services, filling a position that remained vacant for almost half a year.

In June, the Vaughan Citizen reported that the deputy city manager, community services position remained vacant after Vaughan announced Nick Spensieri’s promotion as the city’s new city manager.

The previous city manager Jim Harnum at the time succeeded Mary Reali, acting city manager and deputy city manager, community services, who was retiring from the city after more than 34 years.

Harnum occupied the position as city manager for less than a year, and then bade farewell to Vaughan as its sixth city manager since 2010.

Michaels will also continue to serve as director and chief licensing officer with the city’s bylaw and compliance, licensing and permit services until further notice.

The council ratified Michaels’ appointment Tuesday, Dec. 7.

“Mr. Michaels’ career spans more than 32 years in the public sector with 28 years in the field of municipal law enforcement,” the city said.

Since November 2020, Michaels has also filled the position as interim deputy city manager, community services, leading and overseeing the operations of bylaw and compliance, licensing and permit services, recreation services and Access Vaughan.

“He currently serves as chair of the region’s COVID-19 Enforcement Task Force, comprised of enforcement departments across the region, including York Regional Police, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and York Region Public Health,” the city added.

Since July 2013, Michaels has served as director and chief licensing officer, bylaw and compliance, licensing and permit services for the City of Vaughan. Prior to joining the City of Vaughan, he worked for the City of Toronto as manager, investigation services/senior team.