If one thought Bowen Island Municipality’s outgoing interim chief administrative officer Dennis Back arrived in tumultuous times (during the firefighters dispute and the absence of long-time CAO Kathy Lalonde), Liam Edwards perhaps did Back one better.
BIM’s new top bureaucrat started work May 25 while municipal hall remains mostly closed to the public (islanders can make an appointment but BIM is encouraging distance at this time) and as the municipality adapts to ever-changing pandemic protocols.
Mayor Gary Ander bid thank you and goodbye to Back at Monday evening’s council meeting, Back’s last.
“Dennis came to us in a very tough time in the municipality,” said Ander. “He’s done such an incredible job of just fitting into the operation here.
“And just really becoming a Bowen Islander over the last six-seven months. Not quite long enough, but I’d certainly consider him a Bowen Islander.
“On behalf of the municipality and the community at large, thank you for what you’ve given us.”
Ander also welcomed Edwards.
“He’s going to have a really jammed week. If you see him out there, wave to him from across the parking lot,” said Ander. “Pretty easy to get along with and I think he’s going to be a terrific fit for Bowen Island.”
Edwards has been the executive director of infrastructure and finance in the Local Government Division of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs as well as deputy inspector of municipalities, said a BIM press release.
“His experience in overseeing major capital projects around the province will serve the Bowen Island Municipality well as there are a number of major capital projects that are ready to launch,” said the release.
“During the past 14 years, Liam has had extensive experience working across all levels of government and gained an in-depth understanding of the current and emerging landscape of local, provincial and federal government processes,” said the release.
“In his role as Senior Deputy Inspector of Municipalities, Liam regularly engaged in multiple challenging issues faced by local governments,” it said. “He also worked closely with multiple governing boards that support local government operations, which are made up of publicly elected officials and appointed expert members, for both public and private sector organizations.
“Liam has also played a lead role in negotiating the provincial position for various bilateral and tri-lateral funding agreements between provincial, federal and local governments.
“In most recent role, Liam had oversight for the local government financial legislation and policy framework, as well as a statutory approval position of ensuring local governments remain fiscally robust to deliver sustainable services,” said the release.
