Town CAO submits resignation last week

Larry Allison, the CAO for the Town of Innisfil, is stepping down.

Mayor Brian Jackson announced the resignation of Allison in a memo addressed to town staff last week. Allison has accepted another municipal position near Lake Huron, but will remain employed by the town until July 31.

"During his five year tenure, he has been a key player and major contributor to the many organizational changes that have occurred," said Jackson. "I'm disappointed (he's leaving). He's done an excellent job for the municipality, but it's very close to where he wants to retire. These opportunities to work in municipalities so close to home don't come up very often."

Allison joined the municipality in 2004, and played a key role in the development of the New Town Hall and Innisfil Recreation Complex, and boundary negotiations between the town and City of Barrie.

Allison says the time was right for resignation.

"We now have Innisfil's future (in place) with regard to the Barrie boundary issue. We have some work to do over the summer to sort out details, but the long-term prospects for the municipality are very positive," he said. "That was a lingering issue that was at play over my whole tenure here. That is now much clearer. The newly constructed infrastructure (New Town Hall and Innisfil Recreation Complex) being in place is an accomplishment. The operational efficiency for staff has increased tremendously with the move to the town hall and the community is responding very effectively to the opportunities presented at the rec facility. The organization itself is much more aligned in terms of functionality and structure."

Over the past year, at least six top municipal officials have left the town — vacating positions such as treasurer, community services director, clerk and parks and recreation manager — either retiring or accepting employment in other municipal governments. It seems the municipality has become a beacon for developing successful officials, said Jackson.

Former Richmond Hill mayor Dave Weldon has been hired as the interim CAO of the municipality.

"For the next month, Allison will continue in his role as CAO, providing us with guidance while working with the interim CAO, who will formally be appointed by the town shortly," he said. "We have an interim CAO to take his place. He comes highly recommended."