PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cochrane, ON – January 23, 2025 – The Town of Cochrane is undergoing a significant redesign of its organizational structure to better align with its strategic goals and evolving service requirements. In early 2024, Cochrane’s Council engaged a municipal reorganizational specialist to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the Town’s organizational framework and operational context. A Council led initiative, this comprehensive review identified key opportunities to enhance leadership, streamline services, find cost efficiencies, and improve communication across the organization.

As part of this organizational shift, the Town of Cochrane is creating the new position of General Manager/Deputy CAO. This role will play a central part in the leadership team, providing strategic direction and oversight of critical service areas within a consolidated department, that includes, infrastructure (roads, water and sewer, solid waste), parks and recreation, planning and building services, information technology and bylaw enforcement. The General Manager will also serve as a back-up to the CAO, ensuring continuity in leadership.

The CAO will maintain direct oversight of key departments, including Administration and Finance, Human Resources, Economic Development, Protective and Emergency Management Services, Child Care, and the Polar Bear Habitat. Additionally, a strong emphasis will be placed on advancing strategic priorities, as well as enhanced communications and community engagement, which were identified as a key focus during the organizational review. This will help ensure alignment with the Town’s long-term goals and strengthen connections within the community.

This also represents a shift from the previous four-pillar director structure. Notably, the new General Manager/Deputy CAO role now covers a wide scope of municipal services, bringing together the former Infrastructure, Recreation, and Planning and Building departments under a unified leadership structure,” said CAO Monika Malherbe.

Given vacancies in senior staff positions, a challenge that has persisted for several years, coupled with upcoming retirements, the Town is actively recruiting the next generation of leadership. “By realigning responsibilities across departments, we aim to enhance efficiency and position the organization to better respond to Council’s needs and strategic priorities, providing an even better and stronger public service”, said Mayor Peter Politis.

To support these changes, we have launched a Workforce Restoration Initiative, aimed at ensuring our resources are optimally aligned to support the community, foster internal collaboration, and create new opportunities for growth both within the organization and across the community. This initiative focuses on enhancing teamwork and ensuring that every role is empowered to contribute meaningfully to the success of our community.

For further information please contact:

Monika Malherbe, CAO
Tel:  (705) 272-4361 ext 225
Email:  monika.malherbe@cochraneontario.com

Peter Politis, Mayor
Cell: (705) 272-9527
Email:  peter.politis@cochraneontario.com