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Severn, Ontario: Township of Severn has announced Craig Belfry as the new Director of Recreation, Parks, and Facilities. Craig assumed the role on August 21, and replaces Pat Harwood, the main contact for recreation services who retired earlier this year. Craig is taking on this newly created and expanded role to refine and focus the vision for recreation in Severn.
“I am pleased to welcome Craig to the Township of Severn and to our senior management team. Craig brings with him many years of experience and extensive recreation and facilities sector knowledge. In this role, he will have the opportunity to apply his strong leadership and relationship-building skills to help advance key priorities and projects that will enhance the quality of life for our community.”
In his role as Director, Craig will oversee the Recreation Division which is responsible for the management of all recreation facilities and programs, strategic community partnerships, facility rentals, and environmental and climate initiatives. Craig will lead the project to develop the proposed Westshore Recreation Facility, a community hub that will service Severn’s growing community, while also coordinating the implementation of the Recreation Master Plan.
“I am excited to get started in my new role, and to help provide our community with quality programs, facilities, parks, and trails that are needed to connect the people, places, and landscapes of Severn. This is an incredible opportunity to be involved in the development of responsive and forward-thinking services that will enhance recreation experiences for our community as Severn's population continues to grow. I look forward to collaborating with the community and staff, and working closely with Mayor Burkett and Council.”
Craig has worked in the recreation, culture, and arts sector for over 22 years, starting his career with museum management and curatorship, before securing a role as the Manager of Recreation and Culture at the Township of Scugog, where he oversaw key projects and program delivery in this senior position for more than 18 years. Craig then took on a role with the Township of Springwater, and most recently was employed by the Township of Minden Hills as the Director of Community Services, where he was responsible for the completion of the multi-million dollar S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena and Community Centre project.
Craig holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Guelph, along with a Post Graduate Certificate in Cultural Resource Management from Niagara College, and a Master’s Certificate in Public Sector Management, Public Administration from Ontario Tech University.
Council encourages the community to join them in welcoming Craig to Severn.
Learn more about recreation, facilities, and parks in the Township of Severn on our website.
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Media contact
Tracy Roxborough
Communications Officer
Phone: 705-325-2315 x249
Email Tracy