Oxford County CAO Peter Crockett is Officially Retired

Friday, 8 May 2020 11:20

Former Oxford County CAO Peter Crockett says it was a bittersweet feeling during his last day at the office on Thursday.

OXFORD COUNTY - Oxford County has a new leader at the helm today.

Larry McCabe is starting his first day as the interim CAO, following Peter Crockett's retirement. Heart FM was able to catch up with Peter Crockett yesterday, his last day as the CAO for Oxford County on his way home. He said it was a bittersweet feeling leaving the office on his final day.

"It's bittersweet, it's surreal, I spent a lot of my career talking about pandemic planning and to be retiring in the midst of a pandemic is rather surreal. At the same time I have a lot of fond memories and very proud of what we have accomplished and got to work with some absolutely stellar people in the organization, amongst our partners, it has been quite a ride and quite a gig."

Crockett says he is leaving the County in great shape.

"I am very proud, a lot of effort from a lot of people. I believe Oxford is a leader and we have achieved some great things and put a lot of stakes in the ground. I think all of it will take a lot of effort to keep moving forward and I believe it is a worthy cause and the things that are in place will serve Oxford well for years to come, Oxford as an organization and Oxford as a community."

Crockett says he proud of his time as the CAO of Oxford County.

"First and foremost important thing was council's desire to have a Strategic Plan for the Corporation. It set the ground work for all kinds of work, led to the Future Oxford Community Sustainability plan, 100 percent Renewable Energy by 2050 and Zero Waste, Zero Poverty, we have a 100 percent health plan in front of council at the moment. We have other work going on in the background that is getting ready. It has been extremely interesting and very gratifying. The leadership from council, the willingness and leadership from staff, community stakeholders and partners, it's been terrific."

Crockett says he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and is really looking forward to seeing his grandchildren more often when the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. He is also planning to spend a lot of time on the lake in his boat and his fishing rod.

Oxford County council established an Ad Hoc Committee back in March to find a permanent replacement for Peter Crockett. In the meantime Larry McCabe, who was the CAO of Goderich during the massive tornado will fill the role on an interim basis.

You can listen to the entire interview with Peter Crockett below.