Champlain Township has an interim chief administrator to take the place of Kevin Tessier who is stepping down.

Council reviewed and approved a proposal to hire Francois Turpin as interim chief administrator (CAO) for the township, effective July 13. He will serve in that position for the remainder of the term for the existing municipal council.

Following the results of this year’s municipal elections in October, the process will begin for hiring a new permanent CAO. The new council will be involved in the recruitment and selection process while Turpin continues to manage the municipality’s business until the new CAO is appointed.

“We are very pleased to welcome Francois to the Township of Champlain,” stated Mayor Normand Riopel, in a press release announcing Turpin’s appointment. “His extensive leadership experience, strong background in public sector administration, and collaborative approach will provide stability and continuity as we move through this transition. We are grateful that he has agreed to share his expertise with our organization during this important period.”

Before retiring from public service in 2021, Turpin was director of education for seven years for the Conseil scolaire de district catholique des l’Est ontarien (CSDCEO). Prior to that he also served as superintendent of education, director of the French language planning service, a CSDCEO vice-principal, educational consultant, and teacher. He was active at the provincial and national levels in promoting and advancing French-language education, including serving on several leadership and advisory committees.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to support the Township of Champlain during this transition,” stated Turpin. “I look forward to working with council, staff, community partners, and residents to ensure the organizatiion continues to deliver quality municipal services while preparing for the arrival of a permanent chief administrative officer.”

Along with an interim CAO, the township also has a new planning advisor, Adrien Tremblay, who takes charge of municipal planning services starting August 24. The township will continue working with its existing partners on major planning project files during the transition period when Tremblay’s appointment takes effect.

“These two appointments put the township in a strong period for the months ahead,” stated Mayor Riopel. “They ensure continuity in our operations and allow us to keep moving important projects forward as we prepare to welcome the new council.”