Sherwin retiring as Lethbridge city manager
Sherwin has been with the City since 1985
Longterm City Manager Garth Sherwin is retiring.
Lethbridge City Council received a notice of retirement during their final meeting as the current sitting council on Tuesday.
“It’s been fun,” Sherwin said. “It’s the best job a person can ever ask for to be involved in civic works and public service.”
Sherwin is retiring after more than 32 years of service. He joined the City of Lethbridge in 1985 as finance director.
In 1989, he was promoted to City treasurer and director of corporate services. He was appointed city manager in July 2008.
“Mr. Sherwin’s depth of knowledge, his understanding of key issues for municipalities, his financial acumen and his problemsolving skills have been extremely valuable for the current city council as well as previous councils he has worked with,” said Mayor Chris Spearman in a news release. “While providing excellent leadership to our organization, he has been steadfast in pursuing the vision of a better community for everyone.”
Former Lethbridge mayor David Carpenter fondly remembered his time working with Sherwin. Particularly when it came to managing city finances.
“We developed the pay-as-yougo program for city finances,” Carpenter said. “It was a pretty good step.”
The program eventually helped the City eliminate tax-supported debt in 2006, some 18 years after it was first implemented. The multiyear would win awards for its effectiveness.
“Garth played a very big role in that,” said Carpenter.
He also spoke about how Sherwin was a big supporter of maintaining infrastructure.
“It’s the sorts of things you don’t get a lot of credit for,” said Carpenter. “Like rebuilding the cast-iron water pipes — nobody ever sees it, and it’s expensive, but people really appreciate it — even if they don’t know it’s happening.”
Carpenter said one of Sherwin’s strengths was that he was not shy about expressing opinions, particularly if he felt there was a batter way to do things.
“(Sherwin’s) been a very positive influence for the city,” he said.
Highlights during Sherwin’s tenure as city manager include the Enmax Centre expansion, the joint high schools-library development in west Lethbridge, construction of Legacy Park, construction of the ATB Centre leisure complex, the Helen Schuler Nature Centre renovation, the Casa community arts centre, the Henderson Pool renewal, the Crossings commercial development and the attraction of major new investment by Cavendish Farms.
Sherwin said the next city manager would be well served to take the time to build relationships and make public service a priority.
“Look for ways to say ‘yes’ and not say ‘no,’” he said. “Work with the citizens of Lethbridge to make this the best community possible.”
His last day on the job will be Jan. 3.
Follow @JWSchnarrHerald on Twitter