City manager speaks on retirement

News — 04 January 2011

Dryden city council announced the retirement of city manager, Arie Hoogenboom at a special meeting called on November 22.

Hoogenboom was out of the province at the time of the announcement, and was unable to comment on the retirement.

“I was disappointed that it took place when it did, because I wasn’t in a position to be able to say the things I needed to say about my staff, and to thank council past and present,” said Hoogenboom.

The city manager says his decision for retirement was triggered by the end of his contract with the city in May, as well as the generous retirement pension and having more control over his time.

Spending 34 years in municipal government, the last nine of those with the City of Dryden, Hoogenboom feels he has a number of achievements to be proud of between himself and his staff. Hoogenboom was directly involved in writing Dryden’s first strategic plan, as well as assisting with the many community revitalization projects taking place throughout the years.

Other achievements the city has accomplished during Hoogenbooms tenure include a new fire hall, a new police station and beginning construction on the new sewage treatment plant.

“People don’t get excited about sewage treatment plants, but when it’s a $30 million piece of infrastructure, and you’re able to get 2/3 funding, that’s a tremendous accomplishment,” comments Hoogenboom.

Attributing to the very low tax rates in comparison to other parts of the province, is the work that Hoogenboom and his staff have put in chasing grants for funding city projects.

Hoogenboom says, “At any given point in time in the last five years, we’ve had 45 to 50 grants on the go at the same time. For a community this size, that is a lot.”

The manager has had many challenges over his nine years with Dryden, but says the mill was definitely the biggest.

“One of the biggest challenges was shortly after I got here, the forest industry crisis hit and the mill started downsizing. There were close to 1,200 people working at the mill eight and a half years ago. We’re around 300 to 350 now,” remembers Hoogenboom. “That’s probably been the biggest challenge, trying to make sure the economy remains stable enough that people don’t get completely demoralized in the community.”

Hoogenboom admits that he was not looking at renewing another three to five year contract with the city, feeling it was time to retire, and gave council plenty of advance notice.

“I really didn’t want to announce it during, before or right after an election because there might be a perception that my departure had something to do with the previous council or the new council. That’s not the case,” clarifies Hoogenboom.

Hoogenboom will be continuing in his role on the executive of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and his position with Rotary. At this time, the manager has no plans on leaving the area, and has a retirement date of May 5.

The City of Dryden has already started the recruitment process to replace Hoogenboom, and his retirement date is somewhat flexible either way.

Hoogenboom says he will miss the people, the staff and the job itself, but is excited to move on to a more family oriented lifestyle, with additional free time to volunteer and travel.

By Ally Dunham

The long awaited answer to the future of Aspenware in Dryden is finally here. According to City of Dryden Mayor, Craig Nuttall, Aspenware will not be building their wood ...

City’s debt level at $24 million

Councillors hear auditor’s report on 2010 financial statements, May 4 By Lindsey Enns Financial statements from the year 2010 were revealed to the public in a special City Council meeting, May 4, ...

Dryden Byelection 2012 : meet the candidates

Presented in alphabetical order: Gary Case The submission of my name for the council seat in the present byelection is neither frivolous nor foolish. With 17 years of city council experience in ...

City posts DMTS financial statements

The city of Dryden posted the 2011 financial statements for the Dryden Municipal Telephone System and Dryden Mobility, Tuesday morning. Click the links above to navigate to the financial statements. The statements ...

Federal budget friendly to riding, says Kenora MP

By Chris Marchand Member of Parliament Greg Rickford says his government’s first budget since gaining a majority is a good one for residents of the Kenora riding. Said to embody the Harper ...

Wintle, Delaney join byelection race

By Dryden Observer Staff The race for a single seat on Dryden City Council has grown to seven candidates as the deadline for nominations draws near, March 30. Former Dryden Mayor Sid ...

Treasury Metals Inc. aims for operating mine within four years

Gold project could yield up to 1,000 jobs, says Norm Bush By Chris Marchand Dryden could be sitting on a gold mine if Treasury Metals Inc.’s development plans proceed to their eventual ...

Cultural Roundtable pitches public art policy

By Chris Marchand The Dryden Cultural Roundtable was back in the public eye in late February, appearing at the Feb. 27 meeting of council to lobby for the formation of a ...

Fractured: City council struggling to find common ground on issues

By Chris Marchand In his 11 years on Dryden City Council, Brian Collins says he has never experienced a level of tension anywhere close to what he feels in council chambers ...

A message from Dryden’s city manager, Joe van Koeverden

By Joe van Koeverden, Dryden City Manager We have just completed a difficult budget process and now will need to focus on the work at hand to ensure a successful implementation of ...

Aspenware no longer a reality, says mayor

City’s debt level at $24 million

Dryden Byelection 2012 : meet the candidates

City posts DMTS financial statements

Federal budget friendly to riding, says Kenora MP

Wintle, Delaney join byelection race

Treasury Metals Inc. aims for operating mine within

Cultural Roundtable pitches public art policy

Fractured: City council struggling to find common ground

A message from Dryden’s city manager, Joe van