Councillor steps down

Photo: Lake Country

The District of Lake Country will have to replace a second councillor when a byelection is held later this spring.

The municipality announced late Tuesday night Matt Vader has stepped down to accept a paid position within the district.

Vader is the councillor representing the Carr's Landing Ward.

He has been hired as Lake Country's new manager of strategic and support services.

In a news release issued by the municipality late Tuesday evening, the district stated, "Vader was awarded the position after a thorough recruitment process and starts work in his new role on April 10, 2017 at Lake Country municipal hall. The position reports directly to Alberto De Feo, Chief Administrative Officer."

"The creation of a manager of strategic and support services position was approved by a previous council in 2010 and then put on hold due to the Business Systems Review," said Mayor James Baker.

"Growth in the community and the need for the increased capacity in District staff resulted in the position being posted in February 2017. Forty-five applications were received and screened by the human resources department. During interviews with the most qualified shortlisted candidates it became evident that Matt Vader was the strongest candidate both in terms of fit for the position and fit for the organization."

Vader holds a Bachelor of Management degree, a Diploma in Business Administration, and is completing a Professional Certificate in Local Government Management.

A byelection was already in the planning stages after the March 6 passing of Oyama Ward councillor Owen Dickie.

The municipality is planning a byelection for both wards on June 24. The byelection will only be open to registered voters in Oyama and Carr's Landing.