Winnipeg mayor welcomes recommendation on Chief Construction Officer

The City of Winnipeg likely has a new construction czar. 

Mayor Scott Gillingham says he welcomes the recommendation of Tom Sparrow, a long-time veteran of the industry, to serve as Winnipeg’s new Chief Construction Officer, who will offer “expert guidance” on infrastructure and construction policy in the city. 

“Just this month, auditors have said we need to improve project management to control costs on major initiatives like the North End Water Pollution Control Centre,” said Scott Gillingham in a news release.

“If city council approves this appointment, improving governance for this multi-billion dollar project will be the first file on Mr. Sparrow’s desk.”

Sparrow has more than three decades of experience, managing projects ranging from hospitals and airports to data centres across B.C. and Yukon. 

The news release indicates Sparrow is also a leader in public service, serving as director with Public Works and Government Services Canada and advising the Office of the Auditor-General of Canada on infrastructure issues from 2015 to 2018.

Coun. Brian Mayes, who represents the St.Vital Ward and served as care of the search committee, said Sparrow is the right person for the new job.

“Sparrow is more than qualified to help City Council and City Hall navigate complex strategic infrastructure challenges – including the effort to get more bidders and more competition for City projects, for example,” said Mayes in the news release. 

Alongside the Mayor’s Office and senior members of the City Public Service, Mayes was one of three city councillors on the search committee, with Elmwood-East Kildonan councillor Jason Schreyer and Shawn Dobson, representing St. James, assisting with the search as well.

Pending council approval on Jan. 30, Sparrow will start the job officially no later than April 1, 2025.