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“The Municipality of Swan Valley West has made a decision to undertake some restructuring and has eliminated the position of Superintendent of Public Works.”


The above statement is the entire “Public Press Release” issued by The Municipality of Swan Valley West (MSVW) regarding the position of the Superintendent of Public Works.

The MSVW was unable to provide additional information regarding the reason for eliminating the position, projected savings or how the change will affect the operational structure of the public works department. Council has not yet determined how the duties of the former Superintendent of Public Works will be re-allocated.

Getting rid of the position was suggested by Councillor Irwin Steen during a budget meeting on May 5, 2017 however, when asked if there would be a reduction in taxes for 2017 as a result of discontinuing the superintendent’s position the spokesperson for MSVW said, “No.”

A delegation at the May 23, 2017 Council meeting, known as “Concerned Rate Payers of Swan Valley West” spoke in opposition to eliminating the position. They showed Council a petition stating:

“As Concerned Citizens of the RM of Swan Valley West we are petitioning the current council to prevent the position that Kevin Genoway currently holds as RM Superintendent, from being eliminated. We feel the past 2.5 years that the council has made some positive changes in the RM due to Kevin’s knowledge and experience and thus eliminating him at this time would be a step back. It is time for Council to work together as a team and continue with a positive forward progress.”

The petition had already gathered over 40 names. The group had intended to collect more names and submit the completed petition to council, however it appears they will no longer have that opportunity.