10-07-2025
Halifax's top bureaucrat says she is retiring
Halifax's chief administrative officer has told council she intends to retire, a move that comes after a tenure of less than three years as the municipality's top bureaucrat.
In an interview, Cathie O'Toole said the job of CAO is a rewarding but demanding one. While she has enjoyed the work, she said she has "paid my dues" in municipal public service. She said she will likely leave in October, about mid-way into her five-year contract.
Her impending departure comes as Mayor Andy Fillmore publicly stated this week he is concerned about how much power within the municipal operation is "concentrated with an unelected CAO."
The mayor said he believes changes to Halifax's governance system are needed and he has had informal discussions with the provincial government about greater mayoral powers.
O'Toole said the "strong mayors" discussion was not a reason for her retirement decision. She said she has a good working relationship with the mayor and has been considering retirement since April.
She started in her role as CAO in January 2023, after a four-year stint as the general manager of the municipally owned utility Halifax Water. She has also served as the director of finance for the municipality.
In a letter to municipal employees sent Wednesday night, she said: "What stands out for me most are the instances of extraordinary pressure and teamwork where Halifax and Halifax Water employees have risen to the challenge, and also some of the innovative changes that have been made to service delivery over the years to the benefit of the residents we serve."
