Director of Community Services Retiring

Randy Wiwchar, the City of Courtenay’s long-time director of community services, is retiring this month.

Mayor Larry Jangula expressed gratitude for Wiwchar’s 25 years of service to the community. “Randy has been, quite simply, extraordinary,” said Jangula. “He’s been instrumental in so many of the projects and services that our citizens enjoy.

“One of Randy’s strengths is his ability to bring community groups and people together to achieve big things, like the Rotary Trail,” continued Jangula. “Our city has been the lucky recipient of several of these types of projects, and Randy has played a major part in that. On behalf of City Council, I thank him for his service.” 

Wiwchar arrived in Courtenay from Flin Flon, Manitoba in 1990 to take on the role of administrator for the Courtenay Recreational Association, a role which transitioned to the City of Courtenay in 1996.

His responsibilities include the parks, recreation, and property management divisions, as well as acting as the City’s cultural liaison with numerous organizations. In addition, Wiwchar has led a diverse array of projects and events including the Lewis Centre expansion, the 2010 BC Seniors Games, the Native Sons Hall renovation, Simms Millennium Park and Pavilion, and numerous other parks and playgrounds. Wiwchar has also played a lead role with the City’s Centennial celebrations in 2015.

City of Courtenay CAO David Allen said Wiwchar will be missed, both by staff and the many community groups he worked with. “Randy’s efforts went above and beyond, and I’m personally very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him,” he noted. “He has been a true champion for our community and a fantastic representative of the City of Courtenay. We wish him all the best as he enters retirement.”

The City will begin the process of seeking a replacement for Wiwchar in the coming weeks.