Message from the Mayor
Mayor Dennis Leney
Dennis Leney, Mayor and volunteer firefighter, is a prime example of the interesting dynamic that occurs when someone encounters Sioux Lookout. They come, they see, they experience, and they stay! And as Mayor Leney will say, Sunset Country, especially the location of Sioux Lookout, is the best place in Ontario to live, work, and play.
Mayor Leney trained as a police officer and early in his career, he was posted to the Kenora OPP Detachment. Here, he served as an Enforcement Constable and developed a highly reputable name as one of the best regional SCUBA divers.
After 12 years of service in Kenora, Mayor Leney transferred to the Sioux Lookout OPP detachment where they built a new home for his growing family. Mayor Leney then served the community of Sioux Lookout with the OPP for the next 18 years, retiring in October 1994.
Service has always been a large part of Mayor Leney’s personal and professional life. Throughout his policing career and after retirement, Mayor Leney continued to serve on many local community boards, acted as volunteer Fire Chief and served one stint as town councillor. Finally, in the municipal election of 2010, he ran and was elected mayor.
Q&A with the Mayor
1. What makes you most proud of about the Municipality of Sioux Lookout?
I am most proud of the varied cultural cross section of people who make up our municipality and how we all work together to make this municipality so dynamic.
2. How would you summarize the Chief Administrative Officer’s role?
I envision the CAO as the main person responsible for getting things done once the Mayor and Council set direction. The CAO of Sioux Lookout will have a great team of seasoned professionals to make things happen.
3. What are the key challenges the new Chief Administrative Officer will face?
Northern Ontario has been experiencing tough times and thankfully Sioux Lookout is coming out ahead. I see the key challenges as finding creative and innovative ways and means to keep Sioux Lookout moving ahead.
4. What are the main things that make the new Chief Administrative Officer opportunity so attractive?
Future growth and opportunity for our municipality I believe is one of the key attractions. As well, the CAO will be working with a dedicated council, a strong senior staff, and a supportive community who support the economic development of Sioux Lookout.
5. What does the future hold for the Municipality of Sioux Lookout?
In my view, the future has never shone brighter! For instance, Sioux Lookout has become the hub of the health services sector for northern Ontario. This has created many spin off jobs. As well, mineral exploration in the area has been keeping our hotels full for the past few years and as the mines develop, it will attract even more people. Finally, our First Nations have become important partners in the future of Sioux Lookout and we look forward to continuing good relationships.