Haldimand County implements corporate reorganization to support growth, innovation, and service excellence

In response to Haldimand County’s continued growth and evolving service demands, Council has unanimously approved a comprehensive corporate reorganization. The initiative restructures key service areas and establishes a new division, strengthening Haldimand’s capacity for strategic alignment, continuous improvement, and effective growth management.

Driving Change Through Organizational Performance and Strategy

At the heart of the reorganization is the creation of a new division: Organizational Performance & Strategy, led by newly appointed Director Dolly Anand and reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This division will be instrumental in embedding performance management and strategic planning into daily operations.

“This is more than a structural change—it’s about rethinking how we innovate, measure success, and serve our community,” said CAO Cathy Case. “By aligning our efforts across departments, we’re building a more agile, efficient, and accountable organization.”

Working in collaboration with Customer Experience & Communications and Innovation & Technology Services, the Organizational Performance & Strategy division will:

• Drive continuous improvement efforts to streamline services and reduce inefficiencies
• Manage cross-departmental strategic initiatives
• Align departmental work plans with Council priorities
• Establish and report on key performance indicators to improve transparency and accountability
  

Strategic Realignment to Enhance Service Delivery

To better meet community needs and align with Haldimand's Strategic Plan, changes have been made across several departments:

1. A new Community Safety & Wellness Department, led by General Manager Scott Luey, will integrate Emergency Services, Public Library, Grandview Lodge, and Community Partnerships & Programming, enabling a more coordinated approach to public safety and well-being.
2. Innovation & Technology Services will transition to the Corporate Services Department, supporting modernization efforts through closer integration with customer service and performance functions.
3. Financial Services, led by the Chief Financial Officer, will focus exclusively on financial oversight, internal audit, and intergovernmental contracts, supporting cost-effectiveness and accountability.
4. The Community & Development Services Department will be renamed Development Services, with internal realignments to better address growth. Key changes include:
   - Special Events and Festivals moving to Economic Development & Tourism
   - Trails moving to Planning & Development
   - Community Partnerships & Programming relocating to Community Safety & Wellness

The new corporate structure and realignment, which takes effect June 23, 2025, is detailed in full on the Haldimand County Administration web page.

The reorganization, achieved through a corporate-wide efficiency review, results in a net increase of 3.0 full-time positions by eliminating and reallocating various administrative roles. Departments are now better aligned with their responsibilities, supporting balanced workloads, streamlined operations, and increased service capacity.

“Residents expect value, transparency, and innovation from their local government,” said Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. “This realignment helps us meet those expectations while building a strong foundation for the future. By aligning our people, processes, and technology with Council’s strategic themes—Future Ready, Exceptional Service, Economic Vitality, Good Government, and Healthy Communities—we’re taking meaningful steps to enhance service delivery and long-term value for our community.”