An internal city memo has revealed the full extent of city service cuts anticipated as a result of the elimination of 28 jobs, announced in January.
On Jan. 17, city council announced nine layoffs and the elimination of a total of 28 positions. An internal city memo dated Jan. 17 obtained by The Citizen details the positions cut, and what the impact on services will be.
Environmental Services
The city's Environmental Services division was discontinued, resulting in the elimination of two environmental co-ordinator positions, two part-time urban forester positions and the transfer of the division manager to the position of manager of community forests.
"The Environmental Services division will be discontinued, requiring a re-evaluation of the city's energy, air quality/clean air, carbon neutral and greenhouse gas management programs," the city memo said.
Social Development
The city's social development program, "will be substantially discontinued," according to the internal memo. The city's social development manager was transferred to the position of manager of communications and citizen engagement.
A vacant position for a community events co-ordinator was eliminated.
Engineering and planning services
The city laid off its transportation engineer and electrical supervisor, and transferred its chief engineer to the position of manager of utilities. The city eliminated vacant positions for a long-range planner position, the manager of community planning and supervisor of financial planning.
"Traffic impact analysis, transportation studies, in-house [engineering] advice and modeling abilities will be discontinued," the memo said. "Long-range planning will be blended with current planning under the umbrella of community planning."
Parks
The city laid off its parks planner and eliminated six part-time, seasonal, park maintenance positions.
"The reduction of seasonal parks staff (one maintenance crew, rather than three) will result in decreased parks maintenance," the memo said. "In-house parks planning services and the associated staff advice will be discontinued."
CN Centre and Civic Centre
CN Centre's operations supervisor position was eliminated. At the Civic Centre, positions for an assistant foreman and promotional business development co-ordinator were eliminated.
"Staff reductions at CN Centre will require a re-evaluation of customer service expectations," the memo said. "The Civic Centre's promotional and business development activity will be reduced."
Community Policing
The city laid off one community policing co-ordinator and eliminated a second, vacant position.
"The Hart Community Policing Office will close and the range of Community Policing Services in general will be significantly curtailed," the memo said.
Other impacts
The city's quality engagement specialist and multimedia co-ordinator were laid off. In addition a vacant safety assistant and assistant to the city manager positions were eliminated.
"Limited or no Web video support will be available internally, and a re-evaluation of public engagement, consultation and media service will be required," the memo said. "Reductions in citywide overhead expenses will occur in the areas of meals, consultants, vehicle allowances, conference registrations, telephones, training, community policing and social development."
