After two weeks on the job as Yellowknife’s city manager, retired Maj.-Gen John Collin made a hasty retreat, ordering himself to resign and leaving the city’s bureaucracy to fend for itself.
This morning, the City of Yellowknife stated it is sad to announce that its top administrator tendered his resignation as city manager for personal reasons.
Mayor Rebecca Alty stated: “This is unexpected, but council would like to extend our best wishes to John. Council is determining next steps to fill the City Manager position given this unexpected news.
Sheila Bassi-Kellett shown at the recent opening of the Yellowknife Historical Museum. (CKLB file photo)
Collin was with the Canadian Armed Forces for 35 years before taking over as senior administrator for Saint John, New Brunswick.
At the time, Mayor Alty stated: “I’m very pleased to welcome John to this critical role as Yellowknife moves forward with a number of important issues and priorities. John’s experience will be a huge asset to the city and the community.”
The city at the time stated Collin and his wife, Carolyn, looked forward to making Yellowknife their home.
Outgoing City Manager Sheila Bassi-Kellett, was in the role for over seven years.
Alty stated when Collin was hired that Bassi-Kellett would be available, “for corporate knowledge transition over the next couple of months.”
Collin’s final day with the City of Yellowknife will be May 13, when an interim city manager will be appointed. It’s unclear if he will be at his desk until then.
