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Saanich hires interim CAO for five-year term

Brent Reems was appointed interim CAO last February after the municipality parted ways with former CAO Paul Thorkelsson.

Saanich’s interim chief administrative officer has been hired for a five-year term.

Brent Reems was appointed interim CAO last February after the municipality parted ways with former CAO Paul Thorkelsson.

Thorkelsson’s departure was announced in November 2021, after he had served for just over five years in the position, which is the top staff job at Saanich Municipal Hall.

Then-mayor Fred Haynes said council had decided to “change the leadership,” calling it “in the best interest of the corporation.” He declined to say more, citing privacy rules.

Thorkelsson’s term began close to a year after Paul Murray departed suddenly during Richard Atwell’s mayoral term; there was a settlement of $476,000.

Murray was followed by Andy Laidlaw on an interim basis before Thorkelsson was brought in.

The municipal watchdog group Grumpy Taxpayers of Greater Victoria said in December 2021 that Thorkelsson was eligible for a severance of close to $580,000, based on details obtained via a freedom of information request.

Reems began serving as acting CAO Dec. 6, 2021.

Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock, who had called CAO changes a “major expense” for taxpayers after announcing his candidacy for mayor, said Reems is the right choice to serve as the municipality’s CAO. “Brent has a proven track record and has demonstrated effective leadership with a focus on transparency, clear communication and collaboration.”

Murdock said Reems’ appointment creates stability and he worked well with council while doing the interim job. “It’s a unique position where you work directly with mayor and council and you’re also the head of the organization.”

Reems, who came to the municipality in 2017 as director of building, bylaw, licensing and legal services, said in a statement he is looking forward to working with council, staff and the community.

Among his next tasks will be working with council on developing a new strategic plan.

Reems was previously with the Capital Regional District, the Office of the Ombudsperson and a private law firm. He has a bachelor of arts and a law degree from the University of Victoria and a master of arts degree from Queen’s University.

jbell@timescolonist.com