By Cecilia Nasmith
After 11 years of dedicated service to Northumberland County, Director of Public Works Mobushar Pannu has announced plans to conclude his role with the county as of Nov. 30.
Chief Administrative Officer Jennifer Moore characterized Pannu as an indispensable member of the county's senior leadership team.
“He has provided strategic leadership for significant enhancements to county infrastructure and services, better positioning the organization to serve Northumberland residents and businesses,” Moore said in the announcement.
“As Mo transitions to a new role with the City of Toronto, we wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
One of Pannu's early achievements was spearheading the development of vital master plans that now underlie the delivery of (and long-term planning for) the county's transportation and waste services. Building upon this foundation, he has since overseen substantial changes to the county's waste and recycling operations. These include the transition to two-stream recycling and the 2019 launch of organics collection in support of the goal of diverting 75% of waste from landfill.
The press release also listed a number of major capital projects that have advanced under Pannu's direction, including the detailed planning and launch of construction on the highly anticipated Golden Plough Lodge and Northumberland County Archives and Museum facility that is now under construction.
Other such projects include construction of three joint paramedic-fire bases in partnership with member municipalities, design of new community housing facilities, detailed planning and design work on the Campbellford Bridge and the road work. Under this latter category, there is the paving of more than 100 km. of roadway, along with hundreds more resurfaced.
“He has also worked with his team to ensure responsive management and diligent upkeep of over 70 county facilities across 35 sites, prioritizing safety and comfort,” the bulletin added.
On behalf of county council, Warden Bob Crate extended thanks for Pannu's years of service.
“Mo took the county mission of being a best practices leader to heart, skillfully mentoring his team and strengthening services in order to deliver value for Northumberland residents and businesses,” Crate said.
“As we reflect on the significant impact he has had within the community over the last 11 years, we wish him all the very best.”
The county will launch a recruitment process for this position, with an incumbent anticipated to be announced early in 2022.
