The city’s chief administrative officer Darrel Garceau, 56, resigned Monday citing personal reasons.
“In the last year I’ve had some things happen in my personal life that have made me reflect,” Garceau said of his decision to quit. “I realized I needed to make some changes. It’s all about my family, nothing earth shattering.”
His last day of employment will be March 11, although with holidays owed to him his last physical day will be Feb. 19.
Garceau’s resignation came as a surprise and is a disappointment, said Mayor Walt Cobb.
“We will have an in-camera meeting Tuesday so we’ll talk about it and the process we have to go through to advertise,” Cobb said, adding Garceau has been very dedicated to the job.
Garceau and his wife moved to Williams Lake from Westlock, Alta. an hour north of Edmonton in July 2013 when he was hired for the position as CAO.
The Garceaus purchased a home in the city and have been enjoying canoeing and skiing in the region.
“I am sad to leave my job in some ways,” Garceau said. “We’ve achieved a lot and have lots more on the go.”
Garceau said he thinks Williams Lake is a great community and he has enjoyed his job, as well. He added he hasn’t decided whether he and his wife will move away once his job is finished at city hall.
“That’s sort of up in the air and undetermined right now.”