Mayor Patrick Brown issued a statement today confirming that the city has parted ways with its most senior bureaucrat CAO Harry Schlange.

“City Council determined that we require a new leader to help us take Brampton to the next stage in our community’s future. As a result of this decision we have decided to part ways with our Chief Administrative Officer, Harry Schlange, effective immediately.”

Council appointed Joe Pittari as the interim CAO and is planning to fill the role on a permanent basis in the new year.

Schlange was hired by the previous council in May 2016. He was criticized for hiring top city officials from the Region of Niagara. In 2017, Schlange’s salary was $321,996.56.

More reaction to come.

Full Release from Brampton’s Office of the Mayor:

Mayor Brown’s statement on change in administrative leadership at the City of Brampton

​​“At our December 12 meeting, City Council determined that we require a new leader to help us take Brampton to the next stage in our community’s future. As a result of this decision we have decided to part ways with our Chief Administrative Officer, Harry Schlange, effective immediately. We would like to acknowledge the contributions that Harry has made to our organization, and our community, and wish him every success in the future. We are thankful for the important initiatives he has helped to build and for the incredible staff team that is in place as a result of his leadership. As we look to the future Council has appointed Joe Pittari as our interim CAO and plans are underway to fill this role on a permanent basis in the new year. There is a strong leadership team at the City of Brampton and we are confident that this team will work collaboratively with Council to advance the programs and services that our residents and businesses have told us are critical to our community’s future. From improved transportation to jobs and community safety, as a team we will work together on the direction that our community has provided. We are thankful to employees across the City of Brampton who work tirelessly each day to serve this community, and look forward to working with them in the years ahead. On behalf of City Council, our number one priority remains creating opportunities for residents and businesses in our great city and delivering the outcomes they have told us are essential to their success.”