QUINTE WEST, Nov. 25, 2024 – City of Quinte West staff were celebrated for their long service at the Nov. 20 council meeting. This year the City recognized 17 staff celebrating 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service.
“On behalf of the Council, I would like to congratulate this year’s recipients of the Long Service Award and express our gratitude for their commitment to the City of Quinte West”, said Mayor Jim Harrison.
The annual Long Service Awards recognize staff who have marked service milestones in five-year increments from ten years onward.
How long have you worked with the City of Quinte West?
Over 25 years
What do you like most about your job?
I like working in the community I moved to when I was young. Living here I get to see how the real work translates into geographic information. As technology advances, GIS moves forward with it which makes things interesting. I like seeing GIS being useful to as many people as possible and having people’s ideas drive the GIS.
What is the most challenging/rewarding part of your job?
It is rewarding to see how the GIS data and applications that we have created are useful in all aspects of life in Quinte West. It has been very rewarding in the past few years working in the Finance Department using GIS in areas such as Asset Management, Taxes, Water Billing, and Insurance. I think that the Quinte West GIS Division has a good reputation in Canada as we have been leaders in many aspects of the field and have won International and Canadian GIS Awards.
How do you start a career/get a job like yours? (i.e. Education, training, etc.)
I would advise taking geography at university and focusing on GIS within that. Then taking GIS courses after that to continuously improve and keep current.
What do you wish people knew about your job?
GIS is used at Quinte West in many ways such as in Asset Management, Finance, 9-1-1 Dispatch, Land Use Planning, Public Works, Economic Development, Fire, Tourism, and Emergency Situations. There are public GIS applications for use at www.QuinteWestMaps.com.
What is your favourite thing to do/see/eat in Quinte West?
I like to be involved with soccer in the community with the Quinte West Soccer Club, Trenton Sockers FC, and North American Goalkeeping. We have some of the best soccer pitches, so it’s an exciting time to be here. I also try to get out in all seasons exploring the parks and trails in Quinte West.
How long have you worked for the City of Quinte West?
Over 30 years.
I have the largest portfolio in the City as the Director of Public Works and Environmental Services. I am responsible for the overall management of the Public Works Department which includes Roads, Parks and Open Spaces, Engineering/Development, Water/Wastewater and Waste and Environmental Management. This responsibility includes an annual operations and capital budget in excess of $65 million and an infrastructure asset management value exceeding $300 million.
What do you wish people knew about your job?
There are many challenges and changing priorities each and every day, but my advice to everyone is to take things in stride, take time for yourself and the most important thing is to make sure you have fun along the way.
What do you like most about your job?
I have been employed with Quinte West for more than three decades and have never regretted one moment. Quinte West is an incredible community and I love the vast variety and diversity of work that comes with my department. I thrive on the challenges that come with being the Director with the sense of pride and accomplishment in making Quinte West the best. However, its the great people who work here that make each and every day so enjoyable.
What is the most challenging/enjoyable part of your job?
The most rewarding part of being the Director of PWES is serving at the helm of the City’s largest portfolio and department with the ability to shape and lead the municipality. I have witnessed significant change over my career and I am humbled and proud that I have been a part in shaping and leading the dedicated staff and the department in making a difference for our residents and businesses. It continues to be a true honour for me.
How do you start/get a job like yours?
After high school, I had planned on going to medical school but after 2 years, I decided that my calling was engineering (following in my dads footsteps). I graduated from University and then graduated from College and started working for an engineering firm before joining the City of Trenton as an Engineering Technician and then through career advancement all the way to the Director role in 2006.
What is your favourite thing to do/eat/see in Quinte West?
Quinte West is a remarkable community that will always hold a special place in my heart.
How long have you worked with the City of Quinte West?
10 years.