The City of Owen Sound is bringing on a new director of public works & engineering.
Lara Widdifield will take over the role as of Jan. 16, 2023.
Throughout her 20-year career, the city says she has held a variety of positions in both the private and public sectors in Ontario and Alberta. She was most recently the Director of Public Works for the Town of South Bruce Peninsula.
She also comes to the city with knowledge and background in development engineering and project management, water and wastewater, infrastructure lifecycle planning, and cost estimation.
City manager Tim Simmonds says as a member of the Strategic Leadership Team, he looks forward to Widdifield bringing her strategic vision, inclusive leadership approach, and commitment to corporate-wide collaboration to the team.
“The Director of Public Works is a key contributor to the development of Owen Sound and fulfilling council’s strategic priorities,” says Simmonds.
Widdifield adds she is thrilled to be taking this next step in her career.
“Owen Sound is a wonderful, vibrant city with so much to offer its residents, businesses and visitors. I take pride in providing the public with excellent customer service and cost-effective, efficient municipal services; I look forward to guiding this department into the future.”
Mike Crone has been serving as Owen Sound’s acting director of public works & engineering since Dennis Kefalas retired in March.