Stratford’s new director of community services says that the passion of the city's residents is heartwarming.
Tim Wolfe started his new job in January, bringing years of experience in management of recreation, forestry, horticulture, parks, special events, sports fields and cemeteries.
Getting started in the trades, Wolfe made the decision to move to management, subsequently serving in various municipalities across the region, such as Waterloo, Kitchener, and St. Marys.
Wolfe called the position fortuitous and he has taken a deep dive at a busy time for the City of Stratford.
Originally from Shakespeare-area, Wolfe has lived in Stratford his whole career. Having experience in a smaller community like St. Marys and a bigger city like Waterloo, he called Stratford a perfect middle, with access to more resources while retaining a small-town sensibility.
He's also cut his commute time considerably.
“The position of director came up in Stratford for community services and it was too good to be true,” Wolfe said.
“It was perfect timing.”
While nothing surprised him after stepping into the role, Wolfe said that seeing the inter-departmental support was pleasing.
“What I did like seeing is the cohesiveness of all the departments and how everybody works together. There's no animosity between anybody,” Wolfe said. “It's really great to see the support of everybody and each other's departments.”
Additionally, Wolfe said that the managers of each department have been outstanding. Not only are they skilled, but they are embracing the idea of looking at other opportunities and perhaps doing things differently, he said.
Wolfe got started during a busy time. With budget deliberations currently underway at city hall, Wolfe had a quick crash-course in the department.
“One nice thing about it is you're forced to learn fast,” Wolfe admitted. “You dive into it and learn what the department's needs are and it gives you a good scope of what they want to see done with their departments. You get to know everybody really quick.”
Wolfe said that the possibility of service cuts is always concerning, but that's a decision for council to make, as budget deliberations continue. Through it all, Wolfe said that he and the department will be devoted to maintaining service delivery.
Overall, Wolfe says that what he hopes to do in the position is fostering what is already there.
“There's a lot of passion and my job is to keep that passion going.”
