The City of Victoria has a new city manager with credentials that include overseeing the incorporation of several Central Okanagan jurisdictions.
Jason Johnson, currently Chief Administrative Officer at the District of West Kelowna, will assume his new job at the City of Victoria in early February.
"Mr. Johnson has a proven history of leading municipalities and regional districts to deliver results and has a leadership philosophy rooted in accountability, innovation and relationship-building," said Mayor Dean Fortin in a prepared statement. "We look forward to working with him to deliver on the city's priorities as we continue to provide high quality services to the citizens of Victoria."
In 2007, residents in several Central Okanagan areas voted by a slim referendum majority to incorporate as the District of Westside, now known as West Kelowna. Johnson has been with the district for the past six years and helped build the West Kelowna local government from the ground up, according to information provided by the City of Victoria.
Prior to West Kelowna, Johnson was CAO at the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. He also held a brief post as manager of human resources for the City of Kelowna. From 1995 to 2004, Johnson held planning and economic development positions with the City of Merritt and the Central Okanagan Regional District.
“I'm thrilled to join the City of Victoria,” Johnson said in a statement. “I feel privileged to work with Mayor (Fortin) and Council and the team of professionals I have heard wonderful things about."
Johnson went to high school in Greater Victoria and has family on Vancouver Island.
EDIT: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the incorporation of West Kelowna as an amalgamation.