Calgary's City Hall is facing significant leadership transitions as two of its most senior bureaucrats prepare to leave their posts, marking a major shift in the municipality's executive structure.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas announced Wednesday that Chief Administrative Officer David Duckworth has "mutually agreed" to depart the city, with December 1 set as his final day. The departure follows months of scrutiny surrounding Duckworth's performance, particularly after a second major water main break struck Calgary in December 2024.
"This is a steady and planned transition," Farkas told reporters. "It comes at a time when there is a great deal of important work underway across the city."
If a replacement is hired before Duckworth's departure date, the outgoing CAO will transition into an advisory role to support the handover process.
Another Top Executive Heads for the Door
The leadership exodus doesn't stop with Duckworth. Chief Operating Officer Stuart Dalgleish announced his retirement effective June 12, meaning Calgary will lose both of its top administrative officials within a six-month window. An interim replacement for Dalgleish will be named "very soon," according to officials.
Duckworth had held the CAO position for approximately seven and a half years, bringing extensive municipal experience from British Columbia before joining Calgary in 2018. In 2023, the city restructured its top leadership, splitting the original city manager role into two positions: Duckworth became CAO while Dalgleish was promoted to COO.
Combined, the two executives represent more than 60 years of municipal government experience—institutional knowledge that won't be easily replaced.
Council Faces Critical Period
The timing of these departures raises concerns among observers of Calgary municipal governance. Mount Royal University political science professor Lori Williams cautioned that losing both experienced senior administrators simultaneously could create instability.
"You lose a lot of institutional leadership and memory when you have your top people leaving," Williams noted, adding that the relatively inexperienced current city council could face challenges managing major infrastructure projects and addressing the city's rapid population growth without seasoned guidance.
Duckworth's tenure was not without controversy. The CAO faced mounting pressure following two significant water main failures in less than two years, prompting a formal performance review. In 2025, his salary stood at $450,000, making him among the city's highest-paid officials.
Farkas acknowledged Duckworth's contributions, saying "I want to thank CAO Duckworth for his service to Calgarians" during his tenure. However, the circumstances surrounding his departure suggest the relationship between council and its top administrator had grown strained.
The search for replacement leadership comes at a critical juncture for Calgary, with major infrastructure upgrades, water system modernization, and population management all demanding immediate attention. How smoothly the transitions unfold could significantly impact the city's ability to tackle these pressing challenges.
This article is based on reporting from CBC Calgary. Read the original story at CBC News.