Innisfail's respected director of planning and development is heading south to Olds.
Craig Teal, 43, announced his resignation to Innisfail town council on Sept. 9 after just over 22 months of service.
Teal, who spearheaded the implementation of Innisfail's multi-million dollar Downtown Revitalization Project, said his final day of service would be on Oct. 15. He begins his new duties as Olds' director of operational services the following day.
“I am really sad to lose him, sad to see him go,” said Helen Dietz, chief administrative officer for Innisfail. “He's been a huge asset to Innisfail. I wish him the very best.”
Teal said he's leaving Innisfail pleased he was able to contribute to ensuring the town has the necessary building blocks for its future.
“I was quite happy to be part of that Downtown Revitalization Project, and to help the community make some key decisions about fixing up the downtown and making something they are very proud of,” said Teal, who was instrumental in the development of the town's master servicing concept. “It was an excellent opportunity and I am very grateful to the community, Helen Dietz, and council for giving me the chance to work on that.”
He said he is looking forward to working with Norm McInnis, chief administrative officer for Olds, as well as the community at large, noting “their interest in new and innovative ways to create a more sustainable community.
“I expect part of what I will be asked to do ties in with some of their current goals, which is trying to expand communication both within the organization to understand who does what, and how things can be done more efficiently,” said Teal, adding he's looking forward to the challenge of moving into a different job with new responsibilities other than planning and development.
“It will include some different roles, including engineering and mapping services. It will take on a bit more responsibility on the engineering side and structural planning side and also involves day-to-day operations in the form of public works, utilities department and solid waste management.”
Teal said he will still be “overseeing” some planning functions in Olds but his job will be moving more into a directorship and management role.
