City of Melfort's new Director of Public Works, Lydia Steffen (Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW Staff)

By Ben Tompkins

City of Melfort

Melfort hires new director of public works

Mar 14, 2023 | 4:03 PM

The City of Melfort has hired a new director of public works.

Lydia Steffen has filled the role, after the city’s previous director, Gerald Gilmore, retired last November.

Steffen will work on the management, project development, and business plans, as she “looks at Melfort’s projects from a holistic point of view, making sure that they are implemented in the city.”

“I evaluate the effectiveness of department policies, programs, and resources to stated objectives,” she told northeastNOW.

“I will prepare departmental capital and operating budgets, ensure contracting goods and services are done in compliance with legislative requirements, monitor operations within the department and report to management and council on all relevant matters. I will also have to conduct research relative to bylaws, policies, and labour relations with the union.”

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Steffen has been living in Melfort for just over two decades and has always been really involved in the community.

She’s been on the Multi-K committee and the Brunswick School community council and is currently the billet coordinator for the Melfort Mustangs.

When the position became available, Steffen said she thought it would be a great opportunity to contribute to the community, but more on the professional side of things.

“I have quite a diverse educational background, and so I thought using that education, as well as the skills I’ve developed, that I bring a different and unique perspective to the Public Works Department.”

She has now been on the job for just over a week, and while there has been a lot of orientation, Steffen is already involved in multiple projects.

“One of the big ones that I’m really excited about is to help create a sustainable transformation of our solid waste disposal grounds, known as our landfill,” she added. “And then the other one is I’ve been asked to create a strategy of growth through the creation of business plans in our department, so those are two areas where I’m going to be starting to work.”

Steffen is originally from South Africa and has an education in law. This means that she will be able to work with unions, making sure projects fall within government guidelines, by looking at bylaws and policies.

In a final statement, Steffen mentioned the love she has for her community, stating her dedication to serve.

“Just knowing people in the community, and knowing where the shortfalls are, ultimately, Melfort is my home, so I’m invested in the success and the development of Melfort and its future,” she explained.

“I am a firm believer in community involvement, so this is just a way where I can help more. I am committed to giving the best I can, applying what I have, and hopefully, moving forward, things will be successful.”

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