LONG SAULT – Less than three months since he assumed the role of CAO of the Township of South Stormont, David Barrick is no longer a township employee.
A special meeting of Council on Mon., March 23, 2026, and a closed session was held that, according to the agenda concerned a “Personal Matter About an Identifiable Individual, Labour Relations and Employee Negotiations and Advice that is Subject to Solicitor Client Privilege. Specifically: Employee Effectiveness.”
The following day, Mayor Bryan McGillis provided the following statement in a media release:
On behalf of Council, I am writing to share that our Chief Administrative Officer, David Barrick, will be departing the organization.
We would like to thank David for his work in expanding the Township’s communications platform and strengthening community engagement, notably through the establishment of the Term of Council Highlights document. From a financial and operational perspective, his leadership also contributed to a reduced 2026 budget request and the realization of insurance-related savings.
We are grateful for the positive impact David has made on the organization and wish him continued success in his future endeavours.
The Township of South Stormont will offer no further comment on this matter at this time.
Barrick’s hiring was announced on Oct. 30, 2025. He joined the Township as Deputy CAO in support of the transition from CAO Debi Lucas, who was retiring. Barrick assumed the role of CAO effective Jan. 1, 2026.
The media release made in October 2025 when Barrick was hired stated “David Barrick brings extensive experience in municipal leadership, including serving as CAO for the City of Brampton, senior leadership roles – including Interim CAO – at one of Ontario’s largest conservation authorities, and, most recently, CAO for the Municipality of Thames Centre. He previously served as an elected official with the City of Port Colborne and the Regional Municipality of Niagara, giving him a practical understanding of community priorities and governance.
Mr. Barrick was selected for the role following a competitive and thorough third-party executive search conducted by Legacy Search Partners and he comes with strong references from the organizations he has served. “We are delighted to welcome David Barrick to our exceptional team,” said Mayor Bryan McGillis. “His track record in administrative leadership and his experience as an elected official will provide a valuable perspective as we continue to deliver high-quality services and manage growth in one of Eastern Ontario’s fastest-developing communities.”
The CAO position vacancy has not yet been posted on the Township of South Stormont website.
Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is April 8 at 5:00 p.m. at the municipal office in Long Sault.
Terry Tinkess is a professional photographer, educator and journalist. He has been making a living with a camera and keyboard since 1999 and has been featured in such publications as The Ottawa Citizen, Cornwall Standard Freeholder, The Globe and Mail, The Miami Herald, Ottawa Construction News, The Ontario Construction Report, Ontario Home Builder Magazine, Reed Construction Data, Canadian Potato Business and most recently, The Record and Eastern Ontario AgriNews. Terry lives in Ingleside, Ontario with his wife Brenda, Mia the anxious Pittie and cats Wally and Chubbers.
