Interim boss of Hamilton public works announced

A 25-year municipal veteran is stepping into the void left by the sudden departure of Hamilton's top public works official.

Craig Murdoch has been appointed acting general manager of the large department, the city announced in a press release Friday.

Murdoch, who has been director of environmental services since 2009, will lead public works while the city searches for a permanent general manager.

He's expected to announce an interim water director later this month.

Dan McKinnon's employment with the city ended abruptly last week, along with water director Andrew Grice.

The city has declined to discuss the circumstances of their departures, citing privacy restrictions related to the personnel matters.

In a message to staff, city manager Janette Smith said McKinnon told her he would retire from the city effective immediately."

McKinnon became general manager in 2016 after Gerry Davis retired. Grice replaced McKinnon as water director.

Both were in their positions during a period of turmoil relating to a 24-billion-litre sewage leak into Chedoke Creek and Cootes Paradise.

Teviah Moro is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: tmoro@thespec.com