New public works manager in Central Frontenac
John Badgley said he is thrilled to have landed the job as the new public works manager in the Township of Central Frontenac. I met with him earlier this week to find out what he brings to his new role. Badgley who was born and raised in Tweed, Ontario, has been working in road work and construction for over 25 years. He said he especially pleased because the job is so close to home. “This is as close to home as I have worked in a long time and I just love this area and am thrilled to be back. For myself and my wife, Ontario is home and it's been hard to stay away from it for all of these years.”
Prior to landing his new post in Central Frontenac, Badgley and his wife resided in Carleton Place for 12 years and he worked out of Ottawa in construction. More recently Badgley returned from western Canada where he had been employed as a public works supervisor for a municipality in southern Manitoba from 2009-2011. He then returned to Stirling, Ontario where he also worked out of Ottawa, this time for a road construction company until 2013.
Most recently Badgley worked as an operations manager in Peace River in Northern Alberta before applying for the position in Central Frontenac. He said his background in the field over the past 25 years has prepared him well as the township's new public works manager and he said landing this kind of position has been a long-time goal for him and one that he is well prepared for. “I have plowed snow on back roads and 400-series highways for years and have worked in road construction for years as well; first as a laborer, then as an equipment operator; later as a foreman and then as a supervisor. I feel that I have an in depth understanding of all of the positions involved in this job.”
Regarding the challenges he faces in his new role, Badgely said, “The big challenge is the fact that council and staff here have been without a public works manager for a while and I think getting everyone on the same page and understanding what the residents want and need, and what their expectations are will be key.”
Bagdley has been on the job since October 5, 2015 and during that time he has been working closely with Steve Reynolds, the township's public works supervisor. Reynolds, along with Kyle Labbett, headed up the public works department when the post was left vacant back in June, 2015, when former CAO/public works manager Jim Zimmerman was let go.
Regarding other immediate challenges that Badgley faces in a municipality with its fair share of water, bridges and other related infrastructure, Badgley said that he understands those challenges as well and he will be looking closely at specific issues like beavers. “We will look at how we can better control the beaver population here, without spending a lot of money and I look forward to talking to the MNR and getting input from staff here as well as from public works staff in other townships who are dealing with similar issues.”
He also said that maintaining the roads will be a primary focus. “Central Frontenac is a place where people really want to be, so obviously one of my goals will be to maintain the roads here to the best of my abilities.”
Badgley said he is impressed with the township council and staff. “The crew here seem very experienced and have been working hard to update their equipment to where it needs to be while working within their budget limitations.”
Badgley said that right now he and his crew are busy getting ready for the winter season, and have been planning snow plow routes and more in preparation.
