Port Coquitlam, BC – Dec. 22, 2020… After an extensive nation-wide search, the City of Port Coquitlam has found its new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) in B.C.

Rob Bremner will start his new role as Port Coquitlam’s CAO on Feb. 8, 2021 following eight years as CAO for the Resort Municipality of Sun Peaks. He brings a wide range of local government experience to the City after serving 14 years as a CAO and close to 20 years in senior executive positions, including leading a municipality through the incorporation process, delivering major infrastructure projects such as a $55-million 5,000-seat multipurpose event centre, being recognized for creating work-life balance in the workplace, and building strong relationships with key community partners and other stakeholders. 

Bremner will replace the outgoing CAO Kristen Dixon, who announced her resignation earlier this year to work for the City of Penticton and to be closer to family.

“While we considered a number of outstanding candidates for the job, Council made the decision to hire Rob as he best fit our vision for Port Coquitlam to continue our focus on getting the basics right,” said Mayor Brad West. “His experience working in destination communities will be a real value as we work towards revitalizing our downtown as an attractive place for people to gather and celebrate. He brings diverse experience and an inclusive leadership style. I am confident that Rob will bring a passion and service-minded attitude to our organization and our community, and that he has the right energy to continue to move us forward.”

As the City’s most senior staff member, the CAO provides professional advice and works with Mayor and Council to establish the city’s vision, plans and priorities. The CAO also provides strategic direction and organizational leadership to all City departments and staff. 

Before his role at Sun Peaks, Bremner previously served as CAO in the Districts of Sechelt and Tofino, Director of Parks and Recreation in the City of Dawson Creek, and Community Services Director in the City of Dryden, Ontario. His recreation background and extensive experience in community and stakeholder engagement will be an asset as the City sets to open phase two of the new Port Coquitlam Community Centre in 2021.

Prior to entering local government, he held the role of head coach for a number of junior and professional hockey teams, a career path that helped to prepare him for the City’s top job. 

The City’s comprehensive recruitment process attracted close to 100 applicants from across the country. West said that ultimately, “Council decided that Bremner offered the right mix of experience, leadership skills, work ethic and personality to continue to build the success we’ve had as an organization.”

Bremner is looking forward to relocating and getting to know the community and residents of Port Coquitlam. The long-time recreation enthusiast is also keen to explore the local parks and trails. First and foremost, however, his priority will be on getting to know his team at the City with a focus on delivering on the City’s and the community’s priorities. 

“Right from the start of the recruitment process, I have been impressed with the direction and leadership of the City,” Bremner said. “I am excited to be taking on the CAO role and working with the great team of staff to continue to deliver exceptional service to the residents of Port Coquitlam.”

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca