Owen Sound is now looking for a new City Manager.
Jim Harrold has announced he is leaving the City Manager’s job after three years.
Harrold is leaving in August to become the President and CEO of the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority.
It’s a new organization that will look after providing health services to residents in James Bay and Hudson Bay.
Harrold says it’s a challenging job he is familiar with since he did some consulting work on health care in the region almost 10 years ago.
Harrold says he has loved his time at City Hall and he didn’t go looking for the job — he was approached about the new opportunity.
Harrold says the professionalism of all City staff made the Manager’s job enjoyable and he feels they were successful in putting the right people in the right job.
Harrold also feels Owen Sound is in a great position to grow with new opportunities with the Regional Rec Centre and the purchase of the CP rail station.
Mayor Ruth Lovell Stanners says Harrold was a great leader who helped the re-organization of City staff to improve customer service.
Lovell Stanners says Harrold also worked successfully with Council on how to deal with the provincial and federal governments.
While the City has been reviewing every position that becomes available — the Mayor says there is no doubt they will replace Harrold.
In fact, Lovell Stanners hopes to find someone soon so they will be able to begin the job before Harrold leaves in August.
