Wilmot announces organizational changes following service delivery review

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wilmot Township has acted on recommendations from a report by making changes to its administrative team.

In a press release, the municipality said the alterations are designed to strengthen leadership capacity, enhance internal resiliency and support long-term stability.

The changes were suggested by StrategyCorp, a Canadian government affairs, communications and management consulting advisory firm that provides strategic advice to public and private sector organizations operating in complex, highly regulated and scrutinized environments.

The report recommended more support for the chief administrative officer (CAO) to enhance oversight, ensure continuity and provide greater focus on corporate priorities.

“I’m very proud of the leadership team we’ve assembled to guide Wilmot toward a strong and stable future,” said CAO Jeff Willmer. “With council’s support, we’ve brought together a dedicated group with deep expertise, focused on building a culture of collaboration and cooperation.”

The township’s most significant change was the creation of a deputy CAO position, which is being filled by longtime Wilmot employee Harold O’Krafka. He has worked for the township for over three decades and led the development services department for 27 years. He is now at the helm of a reorganized corporate services department, overseeing bylaw enforcement, communications, human resources, information technology and legislative services.

“We intend to provide more focused leadership for the corporate-services and financial-services departments. We expect that there will be more stability, improved resilience and that all financial reports will be submitted on time,” said Willmer, who added O’Krafka is a proven team-builder. 

“He made significant progress developing the team during his short tenure as acting director of finance and corporate services, before his recent promotion. He earned the additional responsibilities of deputy CAO based in part on how well he has managed corporate-wide issues, as well as his depth of organizational knowledge and his grasp of region-wide issues.”

The township’s finance department has been separated from corporate services to allow more focus on fiscal priorities. The department will be led by Harjot Grewal, Wilmot’s newly hired director of financial services and treasurer.

“Grewal is a chartered professional accountant with extensive experience in public-sector financial leadership and will fill a critical gap as Wilmot develops its long-term financial plan,” added the release.

O’Krafka’s move to corporate services opened an opportunity for another experienced township employee. After more than 25 years with the organization, Andrew Martin has been promoted to director of development services.

Ken VanderWal was also recently promoted to director of infrastructure services following the departure of the previous director.

Willmer explained more changes could be coming once StrategyCorp provides more information.

“We haven’t yet received the final report, only the current state report. It’s too early to say how much will be implemented at an administrative level, or how much will be supported by council. We do intend to fill any vacant positions we have now and, where appropriate, may revise job descriptions based on StrategyCorps’s recommendations before recruiting.”

Wilmot’s finances have come under intense scrutiny in recent years as the township works to rebuild its reserves and fill key leadership positions.

“We understand that it takes time to build trust and confidence. New leadership is only a part of that. The work of KPMG as consultants on the 2026 budget and their upcoming work on the long-term financial plan should also help earn the confidence of council and of the ratepayers,” added Willmer.