Town selects Gary Ward as new recreation director

As of today, the Town of St. Paul has a new Recreational Director, but the person filling the job left vacant by outgoing director Scott Walker is no stranger to recreational activities in the community.

At its meeting last Monday evening, the Town of St. Paul appointed Gary Ward, one of the town’s councillors, as the new Recreational Director. The timing and the familiarity of the role were two key factors in deciding to take the position, both Ward and his colleagues said.

“I just figured it was the right time and when the opportunity arose, I talked it over with Glenn, Ron and of course my wife, and decided it was the right thing to do,” Ward told the Journal, of his discussions with Mayor Glenn Andersen and CAO Ron Boisvert.

“I’m not jumping into something blind that’s for sure,” he continued. “I’ve been involved with the rec. department over the last 10 years, either on the board or as a councillor.”

Ward indicated the transition and orientation with the new job should go smoothly since he is very familiar with not only all of the facilities in town, but the requirements to maintain them and ensure they’re top notch.

“Gary is a natural fit because he’s been involved with recreation in St. Paul for numerous years,” added Boisvert about the decision to appoint Ward. “He’s got management capabilities.”

Outgoing director Scott Walker said the decision to leave his post and move to Wainwright to be closer to family was tough; however, he feels the department is in good hands with the new director.

“We’ve loved our time here,” Walker said regarding St. Paul. “This job was definitely the best I’ve ever had. As a rec. director, they treated me very fair and we got a lot of good stuff done.

“I’ve known Gary since the day I started here,” he added. “He’s been heavily involved with the rec. board and will be a great addition. All the staff knows him. He’s got a good understanding of what goes on day-to-day so it’s going to be a great fit for him.”

Ward said he welcomes the challenge the new job holds and would like to thank “the citizens of St. Paul for the last two elections and voting me in. Hopefully, by taking on this challenge as rec. director, we can continue to make this town be the people kind of place to live.”

Boisvert noted that council would not hold a by-election for the vacant council seat. When a councillor resigns, if it’s less than 18 months before the next election, which is scheduled for October 2013, council can chose to continue operating with the remaining members, he said.