Paul Ralph named as city manager
Paul Ralph has been named the new city manager for Oshawa, and will officially take the role on April 1.
By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express
Oshawa city council did not have to look far to find a new city manager.
Paul Ralph, who previously served as commissioner of development services, was appointed to the position effective April 1.
He replaces Jag Sharma, who has left the city to take on the role of CEO with the Town of Newmarket.
Ralph has served with the city for more than three decades in a number of roles.
He first joined the City of Oshawa’s ranks in 1986 as planner and went onto numerous other positions, including principal planner, manager of development and urban design, and director of planning services.
Ralph holds an Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree with a major in urban and regional planning from the University of Waterloo.
He is honoured to take on the city’s top staffing role.
“I really appreciate council’s support for this position. It gives me the confidence to continue to work with council and staff,” he told the Oshawa Express.
When he came to Oshawa 33 years ago, Ralph notes his goal was just “to learn and grow as a planner.”
“Becoming the leader in terms of a city manager, it’s just cherry on top of the sundae. Finishing off my career as city manager is a great thing for me,” he said.
Ralph said he will work closely with council to address its priorities.
However, he named several issues he believes are of great importance including the waterfront and harbour, and the updated Fire Master Plan and accompanying community risk assessment.
Also at the top of his mind are the numerous initiatives and developments in Oshawa’s downtown.
Ralph spoke very highly of his predecessor Sharma.
“I have very big shoes to fill. He’s done a tremendous job in his eight years here, and three as city manager,” he said, adding he particularly admires Sharma’s leadership qualities.
Numerous members of council spoke highly of Ralph prior to his appointment.
Ward 3 regional councillor Bob Chapman, who nominated Ralph for this position, described him as being “politically astute” and having a “vast corporate knowledge.”
“He knows our residents, he knows our staff…he always has the best interest of our city when he does his work,” Chapman stated.
Ward 2 regional councillor Tito Marimpietri said when he was a rookie politician, there was often a learning curve dealing with staff, but not so with Ralph.
“What you saw is what you got,” he said.
One of Ralph’s greatest attributes is understanding the role of a public servant, Ward 5 regional councillor Brian Nicholson said.
“He progressed up the chain, and he was always respected in each job he took along the way. I think it’s a great decision to make him city manager,” Nicholson stated.
Ward 2 regional councillor Jane Hurst said she’s known Ralph since well before she entered into politics and he is “very well respected” in the community.
“It’s a great pleasure to support this,” she said.