Duane Nicol was the first to be presented with the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Leadership in Municipal Administration
Last Thursday evening, Selkirk Chief Administrative Officer Duane Nicol received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Leadership in Municipal Administration. This presentation was very special as it was the first time this award has ever been presented.
This award acknowledges Nicol’s leadership and the lasting impact he’s made not just on Selkirk but on the lives of Manitobans.
Some of his notable accomplishments in Selkirk have been Selkirk’s reduction of greenhouse emissions, increasing active transportation routes, transit services, downtown revitalization, and improving the city through its Capital Asset Management Program.
The night began with Lead Aide Supt. George Labossiere welcoming everyone to the presentation and introducing the Honourable Anita R. Neville, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba.
After everyone was seated, Elder Katie Whitford came to the stage to give a blessing.
Following Whitford’s words, Neville herself came to the podium to bring greetings and discuss the importance of the work that our municipal administrators do.
“Good governance is essential for a healthy and prosperous society, and is part of the bedrock on which all of the institutions we depend on are built. And the governance that is closest to the lives of people is local government. Manitoba’s cities, and towns, and municipalities, have responsibility for a wide range of essential services; services that are necessary for health, safety, transportation, economic activity, and so much more. They are closest to the people they serve,” Neville said.
She explained that in order to do the job well, you need people in roles who embody skills such as good judgment, problem solving skills, listening skills, strong values, and integrity.
“I was pleased to join the Manitoba Municipal Administrators Association in launching this award. It’s a pleasure to recognize the excellence in local leadership that makes communities across our province a great place to live, and by recognizing these outstanding local leaders, we all hope to inspire others to serve their communities. Congratulations to today’s award recipient, Duane Nicol, and to all who find fulfillment in enhancing life in Manitoba. Your efforts are so needed by all of us,” said Neville.
Neville was followed by Adrienne Bestland, Executive Director of the Manitoba Municipal Administrators Association(MMA), who spoke about Nicol’s contributions to both Selkirk as CAO and Manitoba through his work with the MMA.
“Duane’s time as vice president and president (of the MMA) came during years of important change for the Association. He helped guide us through transitions that shaped who we are today, strengthening our governance, supporting new initiatives, driving transformation and pushing us to think bigger and lead braver and now, as past president, he continues to offer thoughtful leadership and unwavering support. Those of us who have seen the heart he brings to his work know that it goes far beyond titles and committees. It lives in the moments he has offered guidance, supported the work when it was needed, and been a voice when it mattered most. His belief in the work and the people doing it has left an enduring impact,” said Bestland.
Nicole Chychota, President of the MMA, then came up to share her thoughts, noting Nicol’s mentorship and leadership, which have helped many.
“For as long as I’ve known him, Duane has been a relentless champion for strong municipal administration in Manitoba. His dedication to our field isn’t something he turns on at work and off at home. He lives and breathes this stuff. He’s the kind of person who never stops thinking about how he can make things better, who’s passion shows up in every conversation, and who also regularly sends those late night messages with just one more thought on a very important topic. What makes Duane exceptional is not just his skills, but his generosity. He is always willing to lend a hand, offer advice, and share his perspective with anyone who asks,” said Chychota.
Chychota, Bestland and Neville then presented the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Leadership in Municipal Administration to Nicol.
After the presentation, Nicol, with some humour, spoke about the gratitude that he felt to receive this acknowledgement and thanked the hard working teams of people who helped him make it all happen.
“I want to thank my council for nominating me and for being the best Council a CAO could hope for. I just cannot begin to tell you how touched I am for the nomination, for the thoughtful gesture. And, I also have to say that, as a CAO, I’m slightly unnerved by your ability to covertly work together and act successfully without my knowledge. But I’m mostly just touched,” he said.
Continuing on, Nicol thanked those he works with at the MMA, those at the University of Manitoba who gave him the chance to work with the next generation of municipal leaders through his work as an instructor, and his family.
He then discussed how his passion for municipal government grew from watching it in action and participating as a councillor before he took the leap into the CAO role.
“I believe municipal administrators are called to help build a healthier and more thriving society through economic, social, environmental and cultural development of their places. It’s fulfilling and consequential work. I’ve had the opportunity to dedicate myself to this work for almost 12 years now, for a council that inspires me and with people, both co-workers and my peers, many here today, who make me grow each and every day. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be the CAO of the City of Selkirk, and I’m humbled by the idea that my work matters and is valued, and this is what this award means to me. So, thank you very much,” said Nicol in conclusion.
The evening ended with photos and socializing as Nicol had quite a line-up of people waiting to congratulate him on this momentous accomplishment.
