Introduction

In a surprising turn of events, Trevor Lee, who was slated to become the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Orillia, has found himself without the position just a week before his start date.

Rescinded Appointment

Lee, who currently holds the title of deputy CAO in Guelph, was set to transition to Orillia on April 14, but was informed on Monday that the mayor has rescinded the offer in favor of promoting the city’s current deputy CAO and solicitor, Amanpreet Singh Sidhu.

Mayor's Decision

In a letter detailing his decision, Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac emphasized the importance of stable and proven leadership during what he characterized as a critical juncture in the city's history. He stated, 'The decisions we make now will define our direction for years to come.' With this reasoning, McIsaac opted for continuity by advancing Sidhu, who has been with the city since July 2020.

Uncertain Future for Lee

Lee's future now appears uncertain; efforts to obtain a comment from him were unsuccessful, and inquiries from Guelph’s CAO Tara Baker regarding his current status remained unanswered, citing respect for Lee’s situation. Interestingly, as of Monday afternoon, both the city’s website and Lee’s LinkedIn account still list him as Guelph's deputy CAO, indicating that he remains in that role for the time being.

Reaction from Guelph's Mayor

Mayor Cam Guthrie of Guelph voiced sympathy for Lee’s predicament, highlighting the challenge Lee now faces in determining his next career steps. Meanwhile, there seems to be no active recruitment for a new deputy CAO in Guelph, creating a lingering question about the future of the position.

Controversy in Orillia's City Council

The decision by Mayor McIsaac has sparked controversy within Orillia’s city council. In response, four council members have issued an open letter opposing the mayor’s use of strong mayor powers to overturn the council’s prior appointment of Lee as CAO.

Conclusion

As this story unfolds, it raises significant questions about the implications of strong mayor powers, the stability of leadership transitions in municipal governance, and the future for Trevor Lee, who has been a part of Guelph’s administrative team since 2017. Will he remain in his role, or will he be seeking new opportunities elsewhere? Only time will tell how this dramatic turn of events will impact all parties involved.