The Village of Sayward is saying goodbye to Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Darren Kiedyk.
After five years at the village helm, Kiedyk will move south to the City of Langford where he will assume the position of deputy CAO on Jan. 30.
Since joining the Village of Sayward in March of 2012, Kiedyk has been instrumental in moving several notable projects forward, including the Sayward Beautification project and several infrastructure upgrades to the Kelsey Recreation Centre, parks and trails, the public works yard, Newcastle Creek Dam and the water system.
His work with the Kelsey Bay Organics Ltd., the Sayward Harbour Authority and the Department of Fisheries helped kick-start the redevelopment of Sayward’s working waterfront.
Sayward Mayor John MacDonald said Kiedyk’s leadership in getting the village on track has been invaluable.
“Darren played a key role in helping shape the vision of our community,” Mayor MacDonald said.
“He worked tirelessly to build relationships with our First Nation neighbours, to help enhance our community as a tourism destination, and to secure cellular service and improve Internet services.
“Darren has always had the best interest of the community at heart, and worked closely with local business owners to support their success,” MacDonald added. “One of Darren’s main objectives was to see the village and the Sayward Valley as one large community, and he worked diligently to achieve that goal. On behalf of the village council and staff, I thank him for his years of service and many contributions to our community, and wish him much success in his new position.”
Kiedyk’s last day on the job will be Jan. 27 and the village has started a search to fill his soon-to-be vacant position.