Thursday, November 29 ~ COLWOOD.
After 27 years in public service, City of Colwood Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Ian Howat has announced his plan to retire on June 30, 2019.
Howat and his wife decided earlier this year that it is time to pursue their life-long dream of cruising the world aboard their boat while they are young enough to enjoy it.
The city in a news release this week said that over the next six months, Howat will continue to work closely with Colwood’s Mayor and Council to “help position them for success throughout their four-year term, including assisting with the recruitment of a new Chief Administrative Officer to fill the role”.
“Colwood has come a long way in the three years that I’ve worked here,” said Howat. “I have mixed emotions about leaving just as Colwood has begun to establish its identity as an exceptional seaside city. There are several significant projects currently in process that will transform this community.”
The City says that Howat has been “instrumental in energizing the residents of Colwood to realize the incredible potential of this seaside community and to articulate their vision for the City in the new Official Community Plan” The CAO has taken “significant, and at times challenging steps to align City departments and resources to better meet the needs of the community,” it was stated in the municipal release.
Colwood Mayor Rob Martin recognizes that Mr. Howat’s shoes will be difficult to fill. “Mr. Howat’s fearlessness, drive, and outstanding leadership have brought a new level of professionalism and customer service focus to the City of Colwood,” said Mayor Martin.
“I look forward to working closely with Mr. Howat over the next six months as Colwood paves the way for several exciting projects that will help make Colwood a world class seaside destination,” said Martin.