Staff
Tony Goode, who replaced the recently retired Russ Wardrope as the Town of Rimbey’s new manager began his new position on April 1 and by all indications, he’s already very impressed with his new home.
Born in London, England, Goode and his family immigrated to Canada when he was seven years old and settled in Victoria, B.C. where he received his higher education at the University of Victoria.
“What’s really surprised me about Rimbey is just how busy it is,” said Goode, who will also work as the Town’s chief administrative officer. “I drive down main street and it’s always perking along. I didn’t know what I expected when I got here, but I didn’t expect that.”
After spending two years working at a Canadian military base in Baden, Germany, Goode returned to Canada and worked in the recreation field before turning his attention to municipal management. Prior to arriving in Rimbey, Goode was the town manager in Wetaskiwin, where he spent the past nine years.
During his first week on the job Goode was forced to hit the ground running including attending budget meetings, meeting with the local ambulance service and participating in open forums such as the recent swimming pool and ratepayer’s meetings.
The new manager had developed a relationship with the community long before he arrived here, most notably through working with Rimbey Mayor Dale Barr as a board member with the Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP).
On top of that, Goode can always fall back on another source, if he needs to – that being his predecessor Russ Wardrope.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to spend much time with Russ, but there’s going to be some big shoes to fill,” Goode said. “If I find myself in a bit of a pickle, he’s offered to help me out a bit and to give him a call and I’ll probably be doing that a few times.”
Married to his wife Brenda who remains back in Wetaskiwin where she works with special needs kids, the couple has three grown children and will make the move to Rimbey complete this summer.
Also beginning his duties on April 1 was Ryan Maier, formerly of Millet, who will be working closely with Goode.
“Ryan has been hired as the assistant CAO and also the development officer, so it’s a dual function,” his new boss said. “Part of my job over the next few years is to train him and mentor him so when I’m ready to leave, he’s ready to take over.”
Originally from Whitewood, Sask., Maier brings with him to Rimbey his wife Sun Young, his six-year-old son Bo and six-month-old daughter Anna.
“So far, so good. We moved here at the end of January and things have been good so far and the family is getting adjusted,” said Maier, who added he and Goode have also worked together in the past.
“We’ve worked together before,” he said. “I was in Millet and worked with the City of Wetaskiwin while I was there, so Tony and I have worked together for over a year. There’s a comfort level there in working with him. I know him well and I’m looking forward to it. It’s good to be here.”