Bowen Island's top administrative staff member will be swapping one island CAO job for another after the summer.
Chief administrative officer Liam Edwards made the announcement during the May 27 council meeting, nearly four years to the day since he originally began the role on May 25, 2020. Edwards said he's accepted the CAO job in the town of Sidney on Vancouver Island, a municipality of approximately 12,000 people within Greater Victoria. Prior to arriving on Bowen, Edwards had worked with the province of B.C. for the previous 14 years.
"It was a difficult decision and wasn’t easy," said Edwards during Monday's meeting. He noted it would be especially hard to leave council, staff, and the island in general. "But ultimately it was the best decision for myself and my family."
"I do want to thank everybody for the great work and support that I’ve had during my time here," said Edwards.
Edwards will remain on Bowen through the end of August while he continues to work on various capital projects and turn an eye toward finding a replacement. "I’m glad to have been able to secure a September start date (as Sidney CAO) so that I can stay on board here for at least three more months and help out as I may with the recruitment process (for a new CAO) and also to try to bring some of the projects I’ve been working on to completion."
The CAO pointed out he was particularly excited about the prospect of seeing the Community Centre completed and open before departing.
Mayor Andrew Leonard thanked Edwards for his work with the current council, the majority of whom entered their positions fresh following the 2022 municipal election. "Thank you for your valuable advice and assistance and professional background in assisting this new council as we got up and running. It’s been invaluable as we’ve gotten our feet under ourselves over the last year-and-a-half," said Leonard.
"Your compassionate and team-centred focus in leading and taking over the staff team here was much needed," added the mayor.
