The City of Owen Sound today announced that Ken Becking, Director of Public Works and Engineering is no longer with the municipality, effective January 2, 2018.

"We thank Mr. Becking for his contributions to our City and wish him well in his next endeavor," said City Manager, Wayne Ritchie.

Mr. Becking was hired as the City's Director of Public Works and Engineering in August 2014, following a seven-month search to replace Director of Operations Brad McRoberts, who also left the City's employ with no notice or public explanation in January that year. Mr. McRoberts now works as chief administrative officer of South Bruce Peninsula.  Immediately following McRobert's departure from Owen Sound, then-City Manager Ruth Coursey temporarily filled the role of Director of Operations along with her other responsibilities.

Coursey too left the employ of Owen Sound suddenly. She left the top municipal staff position on April 16, 2015, something a City media release referred to as "retirement", although Coursey's name appeared on the provincial Sunshine List for 2016 with a remuneration of $174,011, the second-highest in the municipality.

source: media release, City of Owen Sound, and previous media coverage.