Saturday February 3, 2024 | SAANICH, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The District of Saanich has promoted Brent Reems to the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
Saanich Council appointed Brent Reems to a five-year term as CAO effective January 30, 2024.
Reems was appointed to the interim role of CAO in February 2022 for a 14-month period following a comprehensive recruitment process. He had been acting in the role since December 6, 2021 under a previous council.
Big city:
With a population of 117,735 (2021 Census) the District Saanich is one of the largest municipalities on Vancouver Island.
Saanich is part of the Capital Regional District (CRD) — aka Greater Victoria, which with 13 municipalities has a collective population of 432,062 (2021 Census).
Saanich council is proactive about providing more housing at a time when there is a housing shortage, in particular for renters. They prioritize health spaces including parks.
Saanich is home to three major post-secondary campuses (University of Victoria, Camosun Landsdowne Campus and Camosun Interurban Campus). Major transportation flow happens in and through Saanich.
Mayor’s statement:
“Brent has a proven track record and has demonstrated effective leadership with a focus on transparency, clear communication and collaboration,” said Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock in a news release on January 31.
“Council is excited to continue working with him through our term,” said Murdock, whose council was elected in October 2022 to serve 2022-2026.
Background:
Reems joined Saanich as the Director of Building, Bylaw, Licensing and Legal Services in October 2017. Previously, he held roles at the Capital Regional District, the Office of the Ombudsperson and a private law firm. Reems holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Victoria and a Master of Arts from Queen’s University.
The CAO is the conduit between Council and municipal staff providing advice to Council and supporting staff in achieving Council’s vision. Reems’ next focus will be working with Council on the development of its new strategic plan.
Working closely with council:
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to continue supporting Council’s key priorities and the daily operations of the organization,” said Reems.
“I look forward to working closely with Council, staff and the community as we work to enhance the quality of life for Saanich residents,” the CAO said.
===== ABOUT ISLAND SOCIAL TRENDS:
Island Social Trends covers news through a socioeconomic lens with an eye to how politics impacts the everyday lives of households, businesses and communities.
News is posted daily at IslandSocialTrends.ca .
Island Social Trends Editor Mary P Brooke has been writing about the south Vancouver Island region since 2008 through a series of publications: MapleLine Magazine (2008-2010), Sooke Voice News (2011-2013), West Shore Voice News (2014-2020), and Island Social Trends (2020 to present / online and now also in print).
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