Oak Bay loses its lead administrator, adds director of planning and building

Oak Bay’s director of finance takes the helm as Chief Administrative Officer Helen Koning is leaving, the district announced this afternoon.

“Ms. Koning has assembled a very capable management team and introduced systems and processes ensuring we are well positioned to move our municipality forward,” said Mayor Nils Jensen in a news release. “We wish Helen well in her future endeavours.”

Koning came to the district in 2013 and is leaving to pursue other opportunities.

With the departure, Debbie Carter, director of finance and deputy CAO will be acting CAO.

Oak Bay welcomes our new CAO Helen Koning who starts today. Welcome Helen! #oakbay #yyj pic.twitter.com/THdYO5sfWe

— Nils Jensen (@MayorNils) November 4, 2013

“I have enjoyed my time serving council and the residents of Oak Bay and feel I have fulfilled my mandate. I am proud of the staff and value the dedication and professionalism that they bring to their responsibilities each and every day. The district will continue to be well served,” Koning said.

In her tenure, the district completed several priority projects including the 2014 official community plan and the addition of culture to the parks and recreation department.

Earlier this week the district announced it hired a new director of building and planning.

Bruce Anderson, a Registered Professional Planner and member of the Canadian Institute of Planners, assumes the role June 11. Anderson holds a Masters’ degree in regional planning and resource development and has extensive experience in the planning and development field in the public and private sectors, according to the district.

“Council is very happy to have Mr. Anderson join the Oak Bay team,” Jensen said. “We have built an excellent staff team and I know that Bruce will be a valuable addition to the team and the community.”

For the last 10 years Anderson has worked for the City of Nanaimo in various leadership roles, most recently as the manager of community and cultural planning.

“I am going to miss my colleagues in Nanaimo, however, I am very much looking forward to working with the team in Oak Bay,” Anderson said. “I know Oak Bay has been rated as one of the most desirable places to live in Canada and I look forward to working with council and the community to ensure that we continue to make Oak Bay the best place to live in Canada.”