The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides strategic direction for City departments and implements policies as determined by City Council and works closely with the Deputy CAO on City projects and initiatives.
The CAO:
- Advises Council on policy matters and acts as a liaison between the administrative staff and elected officials
- Is responsible to the Mayor and City Council for the coordination and administration of all City departments and operations
- Leads the development of the strategic direction of the organization
- Communicates and works with staff on important issues relating to the organization and the community
- Assists in the preparation of the City budget
- Oversees the teams in Internal Service Delivery - Legal and Clerks Services, Economic Development, Government Relations and Tourism Services, Corporate Support Services (Information Technology, Human Resources, Accessibility) and Financial Management Services.
Deputy CAO
The Deputy CAO is responsible for providing advice to Council and the CAO, and leadership to senior staff.
The Deputy CAO:
- Acts as an advisor to the CAO on matters relating to operations, economic development, corporate services and community engagement
- Contributes to strategic corporate decision-making that supports the achievement of the goals, objectives and strategic priorities of the City
- Develops a constructive partnership with Council, the CAO and senior leadership by providing guidance, advice and support on the delivery of corporate and operational initiatives
- Provides positive leadership to staff and develops and maintains a work environment that is inclusive, respectful and motivating
- Promotes employee engagement and supports staff development
- Identifies and implements continuous improvement and innovative practices to position the City as the leading edge in municipal service delivery and quality customer service
- Oversees the teams in Public Facing Service Delivery - Engineering, Facilities and Environmental Services; Municipal Works; Community, Recreation and Culture Services; Planning and Building Services; and Fire Services.
Corporate Communications
Our Corporate Communications division is part of the Office of the CAO and is responsible for:
- Fostering two-way communication with the public through print and online media
- Coordinating the City's social media channels and maintaining the City website
- Developing and implementing media relations policies and strategies
- Designing promotional material for City staff
- Ensuring brand standards are met
- Providing graphic design, communications and marketing counsel to staff
Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion division is part of the Office of the CAO.
The Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
- Focuses on the City’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that foster a diverse and inclusive workplace culture
- Serves as staff liaison to three advisory committees to Council: the Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Anti-Racism Advisory Committee and LGBTQ2+ Advisory Committee
- Develops corporate policies to reinforce diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace
- Develops and/or acquires training and development to aid diversity and retention initiatives
Corporate/Council Liaison and Strategic Initiatives
Our Corporate/Council Liaison and Strategic Initiatives division is part of the Office of the CAO.
The Corporate Liaison Officer:
- Serves as a vital link between City Council, colleagues across the Corporation and the citizens and communities we serve
- Supports members of Council as they work proactively to address the needs of our citizens and communities
- Supports strategic initiatives, interdepartmental coordination, and policy framework
- Provides staff and council with communication on initiatives and updates
Community and Emergency Management Coordination
Our Community and Emergency Management Coordination is part of the Office of the CAO.
The Community and Emergency Management Coordinator:
- Ensures the City’s residents and staff are prepared for any potential emergencies within the community, including hazardous material incidents, pandemics or epidemics, tornadoes, transportation emergencies, ice storms, flooding and more
- Coordinates emergency management through its Emergency Management Program and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The EOC is a designated and appropriately equipped facility where City staff and supporting agencies assemble to manage the response to an emergency or disaster
- Develops and implements community outreach programs, business continuity plans, emergency plans, training programs, emergency exercises, drills, hazard identification and risk assessments
