Commissioner exits

Barry Braun at the conclusion of the fundraising drive for the Wellington and District Community Centre.

Restructuring leads to changes in County business

Barry Braun has retired after 13 years as commissioner of the Recreation, Parks and Culture department, formerly known as Community Services.

As part of the ongoing slimming down of the County’s operations, the department was eliminated, and the job of commissioner went with it. Braun was offered an alternative post within the municipality, according to a statement from County Manager Merlin Dewing, but chose to take early retirement. His last day was August 21.

The County’s two arenas and community centres are now being managed by the Corporate Services and Finance department. The remainder of the responsibilities and operations under the former RPC department have been assumed by the County’s Engineering, Development and Works group.

Wendy Lane remains the primary contact for the Rec Committees for the time being. Jennifer Lyons stays as Head Curator of the County’s museums reporting to Gerry Murphy, newly appointed as Director of Community Development.

The municipality will continue to use RPC’s offices on King Street until the staff working at this location are relocated to a more appropriate setting.

Dewing said in a release that “these changes will optimize our strength and capacity as an organization.” He added that more adjustments were coming.