New city manager ‘off to a great start’

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This article was published 18/03/2025 (388 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Yesterday was the first day on the job for Dave Wardrop, the City of Brandon’s new city manager. It’s the first time since August 2024 that the Wheat City has someone in that position, permanently.

Wardrop was hired in January from the Rural Municipality of West St. Paul, located just north of Winnipeg. He was that community’s chief administrative officer for a year and a half, but has more than three decades of municipal leadership experience as an engineer and professional chartered accountant.

Wardrop’s first day on the job in Brandon ended with him attending his first city council meeting, but the hours leading up to it were filled with getting to know the people on staff.

“It’s been absolutely terrific,” Wardrop told the Sun.

When asked if there were any surprises, he said, “Nothing substantive. Every organization is a little bit different, and every city is a little bit different in terms of how it runs and how it operates. I think we’re off to a great start.”

The city manager is the chief administrative officer for the City of Brandon Corporation and reports directly to council.

As the City of Winnipeg’s chief transportation and utilities officer, Wardrop was in a leadership role for more than 5,000 employees, managing Winnipeg’s water and waste, public works and transit departments, as well as its fleet and parking services agencies.

He also oversaw Winnipeg Transit’s budget delivery of that city’s Southwest Transitway Project.

Wardrop said he recognizes Brandon City Council’s vision for the future.

“It’s easy for councils to think short term, and I think it’s easy for councils to take shortcuts or a short-term view in terms of infrastructure investment and community investment,” said Wardrop.

“But I think looking at rebuilding some of the reserves and investing in the future, and investing in main infrastructure and building for the long term is a prudent approach that council’s been taking, and I applaud them for that.”

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett said he is excited about having Wardrop join the team.

“He has lots of experience and a real passion for city leadership, which will be essential as we keep growing and improving our community services,” Fawcett said in a statement released Monday afternoon.

“We are confident that his strategic focus and commitment to excellence will be a great asset to our team.”

Wardrop was hired from a pool of 35 applicants, and the interview process was the first time Coun. Bruce Luebke (Ward 6) had the opportunity to meet him in person.

Luebke said he hoped there will be informal, one-on-one discussions or coffee meetings between Wardrop and councillors over the next few months, so each one can share their thoughts, goals and priorities for the future. Luebke listed three priorities as financial, people and the relationship with mayor and council.

“Taking a look at where we are in our operating budget and make sure we’re as efficient as possible, and prioritizing some of the items in our capital budget,” he said.

“And one of the other priorities, which we’ve identified, is recruitment and retention of our staff with the city. Like other businesses, we are having some issues filling positions.

“So, I think those are probably the two big things from my standpoint, and obviously, the ability to work with mayor and council.”

Terry Parlow has been acting city manager since Aug. 8, 2024. He took over for Ron Bowles, who was the city’s 10th city manager from April 2021 to last August. Bowles accepted a similar position in West Kelowna, B.C.

Parlow will resume his duties as chief of Brandon Fire and Emergency Services.

Fawcett added his thanks to Parlow in the media release.

“On behalf of City Council, I would like to once again thank Chief Parlow for serving in the Acting City Manager capacity for the past number of months,” said Fawcett.

“His effort, care, and consideration for staff has been very much appreciated. His interim leadership over these last few months greatly helped us during this transition period. We are very pleased that he will continue in his role as the Chief of Emergency Services.”

As Wardrop made last-minute preparations before attending his first Brandon City Council meeting, he talked about the importance of preparing the community for growth, which will require investment in infrastructure and in people.

Building both of those and putting the Wheat City in a competitive position are his priorities, he said.

“I’ve always held Brandon in very high regard, and continue to do so,” Wardrop said. “And there’s no question that it’s a great community with great potential, one that I certainly believe in, and that’s certainly why I’m here.”

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