Office of the Chief Administrative Officer

The Chief Administrative Officer is appointed by and reports to City Council.  The CAO oversees the overall administration of the City and ensures the strategic direction for the City’s short and long-term corporate objectives are achieved. As well, the Chief Administrative Officer executes the policy decisions of City Council, leads senior staff and ensures all departments adhere to the highest standards of service and accountability.

Message from the Chief Administrative Officer

As the Chief Administrative Officer for one of Metro Vancouver’s most successful sustainable municipalities, I am committed to ensuring that City services, programs, amenities and facilities not only meet the needs of our growing community but are also provided in a fiscally responsible manner.

Under the leadership of City Council I oversee the administration of corporate policies that support the City’s overall vision, which is to be a vibrant, diverse and highly liveable community that strives to balance social, economic and environmental needs. Other key responsibilities include:

  • Overseeing all operations of the City 
  • Providing guidance to the staff of each City Department
  • Serving as a liaison between City staff and Mayor and Council
  • Ensuring the execution of Council’s decisions and directions

Over the last several years, our City has continued to achieve many significant milestones, several of which have been recognized at municipal, regional and national levels. Most recently, the City received a District Energy Leadership Award, a Climate and Energy Action Award, and an Excellence in Policy Planning Award, all of which recognize the City’s innovation and leadership in the areas of sustainability, climate action and planning excellence.

Through creative and strategic planning, the City’s Central Waterfront area has undergone a major transformation to realize the full potential of this vibrant site. The Foot of Lonsdale is now complete and offers inviting public open spaces, the impressive Polygon Gallery, a large water feature, the ‘Megabench’ , integration of the North Shore Spirit Trail, as well as pedestrian and road improvements. 

Next door at The Shipyards, construction is well underway to deliver an interactive, year-round people place that will include an outdoor public skating rink, water play area and event space, supported by surrounding commercial development. We look forward to celebrating its delivery to the public in 2019. 

The City’s Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre has received approval from Council to proceed to detailed design, tendering and construction. The project includes an array of amenities that will provide residents of all ages with new recreational options. Phase one of construction begins in 2020 and completion is slated for 2023.

The City has recently delivered more major public amenity projects to the community including the renovated Fen Burdett Stadium, the completion of the City’s portion of the North Shore Spirit Trail, and the Green Necklace Greenway.  Both the Spirit Trail and Green Necklace are multi-use paths that offer safe, alternative transportation options and recreational routes.

Transportation options are an important City focus.  We’re working with TransLink and neighbouring municipalities on the implementation of the RapidBus, scheduled to start service in the Fall of 2019. These efforts support the City’s goal of improving transportation infrastructure and mobility for our community.

Meanwhile, our Housing Action Plan provides strategies and actions to address the housing needs of City residents, while our GoCNV program helps educate residents about sustainable travel options.

We will continue to maintain and upgrade our essential services infrastructure. Through prudent fiscal management and a willingness to seek out creative funding solutions, we will strive to maintain this status. The City has a Long Term Property Tax Strategy and others that are reviewed and assessed each year as we prepare our annual budget.

City staff strive daily to deliver a high level of service to our residents. Whether it’s on the ground, at our counters, or through our online services, we aim to provide strong customer service, convenience and dependability. The City cultivates an engaged community and encourages participation in the decision making process and community pride through its multi-tiered communication programs and interactive input opportunities.

The City of North Vancouver continues to deliver unique, innovative projects and community centred programs such as ‘PLAY CNV’,  a place making program focused on transforming invisible spaces into vibrant people places and dynamic locations while also encouraging the creative use of parks, squares, streets and plazas.

We continue to deliver animated signature community events and festivals for all ages including the annual Family Movie Nights, live concert series and the City Christmas Festival. These initiatives play a key role in the City’s reputation as a municipality that delivers a dynamic, fun, all-ages, welcoming environment for our citizens, businesses and visitors.

Finally, the City owes its success and stellar reputation to the ongoing, day-to-day work carried out by our staff and Council members. Their contributions over the years have brought us to this point of great accomplishments all of which I’m very proud while looking forward to the exciting future that lies ahead for our award winning City.

Leanne McCarthy
CAO

If the Chief Administrative Officer’s department can be of any assistance, please contact us.




Contact Info

Office of the CAO
Email: cao@cnv.org
Tel: 604-990-4242

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