For our readers in Ontario's Niagara Region who are following the turmoil at the Niagara Parks Commission, some shocking news today.
Bullet News broke the shocking news that, after less than one year on the job, Fay Booker is out as general manager of the Niagara Parks Commission. According to the online story, the decision was made Tuesday and senior staff members at the NPC were informed this morning. It is not clear if Booker resigned or was asked to leave, or when this change will come into effect. Nor is it clear who made the decision or why.
Ms Booker came to Niagara Parks in the spring of 2010 as Interim Chairthingy, tasked with cleaning out the Augean stable which the NPC had become. Well-documented allegations of cronyism, untendered contracts, secrecy and downright corruption forced the Ontario government (the supposed masters of the NPC) to bring in someone to clean up the mess, which is what Ms Booker did.
With an open tender for a new lease for the Maid of the Mist boat ride attraction well in hand, Ms Booker applied last summer for the position of general manager, from which John "Peachey" Kernaham had retired -- early -- in the opposite of grace. Booker was appointed in July 2011 on a 30-month contract.
Did she jump or was she pushed? Nobody, from the Minister of Tourism on down, is saying anything. But Agent 3 is following the story for us. Stay tuned.
Shocking news indeed. On the face of it, Ms Booker seemed to be doing a good job. Of course she had enemies amongst the Niagara Old Boys Club and those who didn’t favour transparency and accountability at NPC. There’s obviously a whole lot more to this story. Keep us posted, please!
ReplyDeleteI've noticed a spike in interest in this post... after nearly four years! Anyone who wants to provide an update or ask questions about what's happened since may contact Preserve Our Parks - preserveourparks@outlook.com.
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