WINNIPEG – Winnipeg’s chief administrative officer Phil Sheegl, the city’s top bureaucrat, has resigned.
Sheegl’s resignation was announced by the mayor’s office on Thursday morning.
In a hastily called news conference, Mayor Sam Katz said he did not know why Sheegl, a close friend, resigned and insisted an audit into a controversial fire hall deal would not be compromised by the departure of the city’s top official, who was closely involved in the deal.
“I don’t mix apples with oranges,” Katz said. “This is strictly business and that’s the end of that.”
“There was some serious questionable behaviour,” Coun. Paula Havixbeck said, adding she did not believe Katz would not know why his friend quit his job.
“I think he finally realized that the majority of council has no trust in him to uphold the public interest and do his job as a CAO,” said Ross Eadie, councillor for the Mynarski ward.
Sheegl has been under fire for the deal, which was made as part of the process of building three new fire halls in the city.
One of the fire halls was built on Taylor Avenue land owned by Shindico, a local development company. The land was to be traded for three decommissioned fire halls under an agreement that wasn’t approved by council. That deal was later scrapped.
An external audit of the contentious process is expected to be released to council and the public on Monday.
Sheegl sent this email to city employees Thursday morning:
To all City staff:
This is to advise that I am resigning as the CAO of the City of Winnipeg after nearly six years of public service.
Though it has been a trying year from many perspectives and for many public servants, especially those on the senior management team, I leave with a sense of thankfulness for their tireless efforts in serving the citizens of Winnipeg capably, conscientiously, and well. Together, we have accomplished a great deal for our City – in improving public planning, infrastructure, amenities, services, and safety – and are collectively proud of:
· Completing the Disraeli Bridges Project, the largest in Winnipeg history, on-time and on-budget;
· Completing the Chief Peguis Trail extension, on-budget and one year ahead of schedule;
· Nearing completion of the consolidated new HQ for the Winnipeg Police Service;
· Completion of the first stage of the Southwest Transitway, and continued progress on Rapid and Active Transportation networks;
· Partnering in a revitalized Sports, Hospitality and Entertainment District downtown;
· Provision of enhanced recreational opportunities for inner-city children and youth; and,
· Consultation and preparation of OurWinnipeg, the City’s long-term plan for the future.
Despite so much negativity regarding the construction of four new fire paramedic stations, they, too, are an important accomplishment and a vital component of modern emergency services for Winnipeg families, especially in growing neighbourhoods like Sage Creek, where response times have been drastically improved. They are equally important projects in communities where antiquated stations were no longer suitable places for our firefighters to live and work.
Throughout my time as CAO, my purpose and focus has always been to approach every task in a constructive, positive way, and work to ensure the success of all our civic projects. I am glad to have had the opportunity to see so many important projects realized.
To my family, friends and colleagues who have supported me throughout these years of being in the public arena and the focus of endless media attention, I thank them for their constant encouragement.
As for my time at the City of Winnipeg, I would like to thank the Mayor and so many Councillors and staff who made my time both meaningful and productive. Winnipeg is and always has been my home, and I wish everyone the best, moving forward.
Sincerely,
Phil Sheegl
Former fire chief Reid Douglas was fired in September, a move some councillors criticized because it means they won’t be able to publicly question him about the results of the audit.
Sheegl was named CAO in May 2011.
He started work with the city as the director of planning, property and development in April 2008 and became deputy CAO in November 2008.
Previous CAO Glen Laubenstein resigned in September 2010.
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