Sean Barnes, outgoing Director of Community Services for the Town of Blackfalds. (Town of Blackfalds)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Sean Barnes

Blackfalds community services director retires

Jan 21, 2022 | 10:44 AM

Officials with the Town of Blackfalds say director of community services, Sean Barnes, will be riding off into the sunset after 17 years of service and focusing on new opportunities within the community.

Barnes is said to have played a key role in making Blackfalds what it is today, by being innovative and forward-thinking and achieved bringing in various recreational amenities to town, such as the Bike Skills Park, the Abbey Centre, Eagle Builders Centre, themed playgrounds, and trails connecting the TransCanada Trail to Lacombe and Red Deer.

Officials note that Barnes and his staff also brought some incredible events to the community, including Winterfest, Blackfalds Days, and Light Up Blackfalds.

Chief Administrative Officer Myron Thompson shared that Sean Barnes’ “commitment, successes and achievements enjoyed by residents and visitors alike have helped make Blackfalds the ‘community of choice.’”

“Sean was responsible for many projects that are considered legacy projects and the results of those are recognized by our staff and residents and are especially valued by the sport and recreation industries,” said Thompson. “Sean’s work ethic, dedication, and sense of humor made the organization and community a better place to work and live. On behalf of myself and employees of the municipality, we wish him the best of luck.”

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Mayor Jamie Hoover shared similar sentiments, commenting that Barnes played an integral part in the substantial growth of Blackfalds in the 17 years he was with the Town.

“His enthusiasm and energy will certainly be missed, and he leaves some big shoes to fill for whoever is his successor,” Mayor Hoover said. “Council and I wish him well in his next chapter.”

Officials say Barnes will continue to work for the Town on a contract basis, spearheading capital projects and events. The recruitment process for the Director of Community Services replacement has commenced, say Town officials, with the position anticipated to be filled by late February 2022.

“I am so proud of my staff in Community Services and the wonderful work that they have accomplished in the past years. Together we helped to improve the quality of life in Blackfalds, and it has been an absolute pleasure to serve this community,” said Barnes.