Firth-Eagland retiring from conservation agency post

After more than three decades of working and volunteering in a variety of public roles, Chris Firth-Eagland is getting ready to ride off into the sunset.

The Hamilton Conservation Authority’s chief administrative officer will retire Feb. 2, when directors are scheduled to name his successor, although he plans to stay on for a while to help with the transition.

“I think I’ve done my community service and it’s time to hang up my boots,” said Firth-Eagland, 65, an avid equestrian who owns a horse farm in Dundas. “I believe in some of those old-fashioned, traditionalist things. It helps make room in the workforce for our energetic, engaged and well-trained and wellversed younger staff.”

Firth-Eagland said the authority is hiring a new CAO and will select from internal candidates, reflecting a push to mentor talent from within at a time when authorities across the province are losing senior people to retirement.

When he took over from Steve Miazga in 2012, Firth-Eagland was already a familiar face at the authority, having served on the board of directors for 11 years, including seven as chair, before not seeking reappointment in 2011.

Authority chair Coun. Robert Pasuta said Firth-Eagland shepherded several land acquisitions during his tenure, including new conservation areas in upper Stoney Creek and by Westfield Heritage Village in Rockton.

“As far as I’m concerned he did a great job.” Pasuta said. “His heart was in it all the way through. (He was) always energetic about new ideas and things and liked to see them come to fruition.”