Hamilton City Manager to become City Manager for City of Toronto

Hamilton, ON - Today, Hamilton City Manager Chris Murray resigned as City Manager for the City of Hamilton, and has accepted the position of City Manager for the City of Toronto. He will assume the role August 13.

The City Manager is the most senior official in the City of Toronto’s administrative structure, accountable to City Council for the policies and programs delivered by members of the Toronto Public Service. The City Manager is assisted by three Deputy City Managers and the Chief Financial Officer.

Murray took on the role of City Manager at the City of Hamilton in January 2009. He has held responsibility since that time for overseeing 7,800 City workers, delivering citizen-centred services to residents and businesses and moving the City's priorities forward. During his tenure, Murray's city-building initiatives included development of Hamilton's waterfront, LRT, Tim Hortons Field, GO service expansion and the negotiation of the development of a downtown McMaster Medical Campus. Additionally, he established a results-based accountability framework, a citizen engagement charter and healthy neighbourhood program.

Prior to becoming City Manager, Murray was the City of Hamilton's Director of Housing, where he established the Hostels to Homes Program, which housed homeless men and led to changes to the shelter system.

My goal here in Hamilton was to help Council, staff and the community formulate and drive strategic priorities that grow this city and build trust and confidence in Hamilton’s public service, and I think this city is well-positioned to continue that momentum. I will miss working for Hamilton greatly, but I look forward to seeing the great things that are still yet to come for Hamilton, and to a continued positive, collaborative working relationship between our two cities.

Chris Murray, City Manager, City of Hamilton

Murray is a registered planning professional with over 25 years’ experience leading major infrastructure projects such as the ones listed above, and the Red Hill Valley Parkway.

Mike Zegarac, General Manager, Corporate Services will serve as Acting City Manager in the interim while a search is conducted for Murray’s replacement.