City Manager David Calder Announces Retirement After 40 Years of Public Service

The City of Cambridge announces the retirement of City Manager David Calder, who will be stepping down from the role effective September 1. David has been City Manager since September 2019, having returned as a familiar face from his 19 years with the City previously.

“In my role as City Manager, I have truly appreciated the collective efforts of the City of Cambridge staff and City Council to shape a strong and more vibrant community,” said City Manager David Calder. “Thanks to all of you for your unwavering support and dedication to public service. I leave knowing the future of the City of Cambridge is in capable hands.”

Since joining the City in 2019, David has led many significant initiatives including the merger of the local hydro utility, now GrandBridge, the realignment of the City’s public service delivery, and progressed the ‘big three’ construction projects to the building stage (Soccer Complex, Preston Memorial Auditorium addition, and the Recreation Complex). He instituted the ‘Year End Review’ report as a transparency tool which outlines the City’s annual progress to the community. Notably, David led the City through the Covid-19 pandemic, which began shortly after he entered into the role. He was also President of the Ontario Municipal Administrators Association.

“David has been a strong leader across the municipal sector, has led many key community projects, advanced the priorities of Council, and will leave a legacy of kindness at the City of Cambridge,” said Mayor Jan Liggett.  “When I was elected Mayor, I knew David was due to retire the following fall. Together we felt  that it would be disruptive and that I would need his advice to get through the beginning of my term for consistency. Without question, he delayed his retirement by two years in order to assist me in leading the city as Mayor and I will personally miss his calm and welcoming leadership style, listening ear, and kind heart. While we will be sad to see him go in the fall, I am both grateful and thankful for the many contributions he has made and wish him all the best in his well-deserved upcoming retirement.”

The City of Cambridge will begin the recruitment process for a successor in the coming weeks and develop a transition plan that ensures the City’s continued success.