Luc Mercier is ready to take the reins as the MD of Bonnyville’s new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
For 28 years, Mercier has been working for municipalities across Alberta. His latest venture was with Woodlands County, where he worked for over 24 years.
Now, he is ready to take on a new venture.
“The time was right for my wife and I. This opportunity came forward, and it’s definitely a challenging opportunity. That’s really what drew us to this position,” expressed Mercier.
In total, Mercier has 28 years of experience working with municipalities. Eight years were spent in the senior director’s chair, before he stepped into the role of CAO.
He said what he loves most about the job is “the challenge of being able to work with residents and council to come up with the best solutions to provide services to them to the best benefit.”
Mercier was born and raised in Tisdale, SK. He made the move to Alberta 30 years ago for school, and eventually work.
His 16 years of experience as a CAO will be a benefit moving forward.
“I think I can bring some knowledge in dealing with some of the issues that come with certain types of municipalities. I can bring that with me. I also have to stress the fact that I’m going to be able to learn from the solutions that have already been figured out here,” he expressed.
MD Reeve Greg Sawchuk said council is looking forward to working with Mercier.
“He has a vast amount of experience... His extensive skills have been recognized by the Alberta government as he was a member of the provincial committee making changes to industrial assessment. Luc is well-respected in the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Association,” Sawchuk said in a release.
In terms of what he brings to the table, Mercier referenced his negotiation skills, his ability to listen, bring people together, and problem solve.
He added, “And also the ability to work with a bunch of great staff to bring them together to serve the community as best as we can.”
When comparing his previous municipalities to the MD, Mercier said there are some similarities, and some differences.
“This municipality is bigger than the last one I came from, but it’s very similar in nature as far as the infrastructure in the area, the service industry, the oil and gas industry, and farming community. They’re very similar, but different of course because of some of the size and intricacies of the municipality I was with before. The most recent municipality I was with was larger in size as far as industry goes.”
He described his management style as open, and welcomed any questions, comments, or concerns.
Mercier’s first day on the job is Oct. 9. He and his wife look forward to what the area has to offer.
“Our kids are older now. They’re all out of the house so it’s just my wife and I. We love the outdoors. We love to quad, snowmobile, boat, ski, fish, this area is calling us.”
He continued, “My wife and I love the area, the region is beautiful and a great place for us to live.”3
