/Coleman leaves for Bruce County
Mark Coleman seen in a file photo has been director of community services for the Township of Minden Hills since 2014. He's taken a job as director of community services for the Municipality of Brockton effective Jan. 6. /File photo

Coleman leaves for Bruce County

By Chad Ingram


Minden Hills community services directorMark Coleman is leaving the township taking a job as the director of communityservices for the Municipality of Brockton located in Bruce County.

He is scheduled to begin his new positionon Jan. 6.

Coleman has been community services director with Minden Hills since2014 and most recently has been overseeing the township’s $13-million arenaproject in which he has been heavily involved. The new facility is in the midstof construction with members of the public offered a sneak peek last week.Being built by Ottawa’s McDonald Brothers Construction it is scheduled to becompleted before the 2020/21 ice season.


Before being hired by Minden Hills Colemanwas the director of parks rec and trails for the Township of AlgonquinHighlands.


In an email to the Times Minden Hills CAO/treasurer Lorrie Blanchard confirmed council had accepted Coleman's resignation.


"We’d like to thank Mark for his years with the township his hard work and dedication and his commitment to the community" she wrote . "A plan for his replacement will be determined by council in the near future although council would like to assure the community that the arena project will move forward with the continued support and hard work of the project committee."


Minden Hills Deputy Mayor Lisa Schell said she was saddened to receive Coleman's resignation.


"I have worked with Mark over the past five years and he has always been professional efficient and dedicated to his job. His resignation is a true loss to Minden Hills and I'm sorry to see him go" Schell said in an email to the Times. She wished Coleman well in his new position.

In a press release the Municipality ofBrockton welcomes Coleman touting his experience with Minden Hills.

“Mark has over 25 years of progressivemanagement experience having worked through various municipal organizationswithin the recreation departments” the release reads. “Mark has managementexperience in coordinating sports and special events such as PAN AM Gamesvenue Canada 150 celebrations and supporting local bluegrass music festivalsand fairs and has planned and implemented various projects and services thatprovided economic development and growth of recreation and tourism assetswithin the community including a $12.5 million new arena/community centre inMinden Hills.”

Coleman is also quoted in that release saying "My diverse leadership skills education and extensive experience will benefit and support Brockton by helping to facilitate and promote health active lifestyles to all residents businesses and visitors while furthering the quality of life and economic well-being of the community."

The province's public sector salarydisclosure list shows Coleman was paid nearly $110000 in 2018.