The Town of Gananoque announces that Ms. Shellee Fournier, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), will be stepping down from her position, effective January 7, 2024 to take on the role as CAO for Rideau Lakes Township.
Ms. Fournier’s management of the administration of the Town of Gananoque has clearly demonstrated her gifts of effectiveness, efficiency, analytical skills and problem solving and an ability to navigate the rocks and shoals of municipal politics and personal interactions while always keeping the best interests of the citizens of Gananoque at the forefront of everything she has done on their behalf.
Amongst Ms. Fournier’s notable accomplishments during her tenure as Gananoque’s CAO are the creation of the 2020 and 2025 Council Strategic Plans, the new addition at the Town Hall administrative offices, managing the Town through the Covid-19 Pandemic, transfer of the McLean Forest, the Town Park redevelopment, the Jays Care Foundation ball diamond, and the youth inspired mural in Garden Alley.
Mayor Beddows commended Ms. Fournier, stating, "Shellee has provided invaluable service to our community. Her visionary leadership, tireless work ethic, and ability to bring people together have played a pivotal role in shaping the Town of Gananoque for the better. Council is immensely grateful for her service and the lasting impact she has had on our community. After 8+ years with us, Shellee is making a move to be closer to her family and on behalf of Council, I wish her only the best and am grateful for her service. Rideau Lakes Township is fortunate to have her services.”
Ms. Fournier expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community, saying, "It has been an incredible honour to work with three Councils, staff, and residents of Gananoque, but I have made the decision to work closer to home to spend more time with my family. I am immensely proud of the strides we have achieved in asset management planning and regional cooperation together during my time here. I leave my role with a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude. It will be hard to leave an incredible local government team, a committed Council, and a community I have come to love."
The Town of Gananoque will begin the search for a new Chief Administrative Officer in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Ms. Fournier will continue to work closely with Council and the Town's leadership to ensure a smooth transition.
The Town of Gananoque extends its best wishes to Shellee Fournier as she embarks on her next journey as the CAO with the Township of Rideau Lakes, and the community looks forward to building upon the strong foundation she has helped lay for a bright future.
Media Contact: Mayor, John Beddows
(613) 382-2149 ext. 1119 jbeddows@gananoque.ca
