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Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham’s campaign pledge to create a Chief Construction Officer (CCO) to provide expert guidance on infrastructure and construction policy is moving closer to reality, with the City Council search committee unanimously recommending Tom Sparrow for the position. Sparrow brings more than 35 years of experience in construction and infrastructure management across both the public and private sectors to the role. He has led major projects including hospitals, schools, airports, and data centres across British Columbia and Yukon, with project values ranging from tens of millions to over a billion dollars. A seasoned public service leader, Sparrow previously served as a Director with Public Works and Government Services Canada and advised the Office of the Auditor-General of Canada on infrastructure issues from 2015 to 2018. He is a certified Professional Project Manager and holds a Master of Science from the University of Victoria and an MBA in IT Management from Athabasca University. Councillor Brian Mayes, chair of the search committee, expressed confidence in Sparrow’s capabilities, stating, “Mr. Sparrow is more than qualified to help City Council and City Hall navigate complex strategic infrastructure challenges – including the effort to get more bidders and more competition for City projects, for example.” Mayor Gillingham emphasized the urgency of the role, noting, “Just this month, auditors have said we need to improve project management to control costs on major initiatives like the North End Water Pollution Control Centre. If City Council approves this appointment, improving governance for this multi-billion dollar project will be the first file on Mr. Sparrow’s desk.” The search committee consisted of three City Councillors – Brian Mayes (St. Vital), Jason Schreyer (Elmwood-East Kildonan), and Shawn Dobson (St. James), alongside senior representatives from the City Public Service and the Mayor’s Office. Their recommendation will go to City Council for final approval at the January 30, 2025 meeting. Pending approval, Sparrow is expected to begin his role no later than April 1, 2025. The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) welcomed the decison. “Hiring a Chief Construction Officer will help make sure the projects our members build will get done on time and on budget – which is something both contractors and the City of Winnipeg want to achieve,” said Ron Hambley, WCA president. “It should help the industry be more efficient.” |
