City Manager Andy Laidlaw has left his position in Campbell River after announcing his retirement earlier this week.
Laidlaw first joined the city in February 2011, shortly after the closure of the Catalyst Elk Falls mill.
“Campbell River went through some very difficult times as we transitioned to our new economic reality,” notes former councillor and now Mayor Andy Adams. “Mr. Laidlaw provided very strong administrative leadership and support to the council of the day, and the community has been well served through his tenure with the city.”
Laidlaw acknowledged that there have been some major challenges, and credits both council and staff with achieving positive results.
“It has been my experience here in Campbell River that all members of council, despite their differences, have worked extremely hard to achieve the best for the community. Council’s efforts have been complemented by some of the highest calibre city staff I have had the privilege of working with during my 39-year career in local government,” Laidlaw says.
“For the organization, and for me, this is a good time to start a new chapter. The city has a new mayor and council with an ambitious four-year term ahead of them, and leaving now gives them time to select a new city manager, who can work alongside them throughout their term.
“I believe I can leave now knowing the city is in a better place than when I first started.
“Also, while I’ve been fortunate to experience the rewarding full-time work of local government, I now look forward to spending more time with family and friends, as well as taking on selected local government project work.”
Adams said, “On behalf of City Council, we extend our appreciation for the good work that Mr. Laidlaw has done over the past four years. And we wish him and his wife the best in their next adventure, wherever that may lead them.”
City council has appointed Ron Neufeld as acting city manager and will begin the process of recruiting a new city manager immediately.