DEPARTURE OF TOWN OF CRESTON CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

It is with great sadness that the Mayor and Council of the Town of Creston announce the impending departure of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Lou Varela, after 8 1/2 years of dedicated service to the Municipality.

Mayor Toyota states, “It was an extremely difficult decision. We greatly value the input Lou has provided over the past many years. Her perspective as a registered land use planner has been instrumental to her role as CAO. Our recent Official Community Plan, ongoing community revitalization and corporate team building form only part of the impressive legacy she leaves to the Town of Creston. Council wishes to thank Lou for her service and leadership”.

“It is my hope that this decision will positively affect the community division that has occurred in Creston as a result of the fire hall issues. This community needs to focus on solutions and the challenges at hand. I wish only the best for Mayor and Council, Town staff, volunteer fire fighters, and the community as a whole. Working with these amazing people and serving in this community has been an honour. With change comes opportunity and I look forward to the next chapter,” states Varela.

Varela will remain in her position until the end of June 2018 to facilitate Council’s search for a new CAO, which will begin in the immediate short term. The Town of Creston will seek to fill the position with a candidate uniquely suited to the community and its strategic priorities.

A collaborative style, bolstered by expertise in the local government framework and extensive knowledge of small town challenges and opportunities, are attributes required as the foundation upon which the next CAO will continue to implement Council’s vision for moving the Municipality forward.

For more information, contact:

Ron Toyota, Mayor
Phone: (250) 428-2214 ext. 227
Email: ron.toyota@creston.ca