The City of Elliot Lake is starting the new year by announcing the hiring of two new department heads. Both of them grew up in the city.
Jeff Truman is the new Chief Building Official. Grandson of a mining engineer, he first came to Elliot Lake as an infant in 1971. His father was a teacher here.
To pursue his education, Jeff left town and spent years in Waterloo earning his degree as a building engineer. "I left for university and that was the year that the announcements about the mines (closing) came around."
He spent the better part of 25 years working in his own engineering firm in the central core of the City of Toronto.
Now it seems like a good idea to return to his roots.
"Growing up here in the 80's, this was an amazing place to be. It's still an amazing place to live. But the town was really vibrant. All of us who came through here are still talking about it."
Truman sees his new role in two parts.
"One is there has been a bit of an an issue with the delivery from the permits and inspection standpoint.
"I'm going to be around more often. But my own experience in construction review as an engineer dealing with contractors, and also growing the department here in that light, bringing that expertise.
"I do a lot of interesting structural work but the vast majority of it is fixing an existing building.
That should be a great fit for Elliot Lake where the ageing building and housing stock needs a lot of attention."
Karilynn (Kari) Kluke is Elliot Lake's new Director of Recreation and Culture.
"I was born and raised in Elliot Lake and my first job with the city was as a lifeguard at the pool and beach," she explained.
"I was also part of the recreation summer students when I was in post secondary. I went Thunder Bay (Lakehead University) for four years and to St. Catharines (Brock University) for two years after that."
She has an honours degree in Kinesiology and a Masters degree in Sports Management.
"I'm excited to be bringing my skills and past experience that I've been accumulating in recreation, whether that's on the management side," she said. "I'm hoping to just work with the team here to continue to expand and grow the recreation and culture assets and programs."
The largely seniors demographic in Elliot Lake is gradually changing with efforts at city hall to attract and support the recreational needs of people of all ages.
"I think it's important to be well-rounded and offer all programs for everyone in the community," continued Kluke.
"The world is changing every day with the pandemic and we have to see what we can offer for recreation and just being able to adjust and adapt so we can still offer services for all people.
"I've been living in northern Ontario for two years but a little different than Elliot Lake and I'm excited to get back," Kluke continued.
Elliot Lake CAO Daniel Gagnon notes, "We are elated with the calibre of Elliot Lakers returning to their home town to bring their skills and experience to help Elliot Lake in this crucial.rebuilding time.
"I look forward to working with Jeff and Kari and have no doubt the community will benefit greatly from their perspective and experience," Gagnon concluded.
Both new staff will begin their duties on Mon. Jan. 17.