Rick Conard has been appointed as the new director of building and chief building officer for the City of Mississauga. He replaces Ezio Savini, who retires this month.

Reporting to Andrew Whittemore, commissioner of planning and building, Conard will oversee six key areas of operations that focus on administering zoning by-laws, the Ontario Building Code Act and its regulations; processing applications for building permits, zoning certificates, sign permits, second unit registrations as well as ensuring building compliance and conducting building examinations and field inspections.

“Rick will help guide the City through the rapidly changing landscape of regulations and reform in development and building, while continuing to create a culture that promotes strong customer service values, innovation and continuous improvement,” Whittemore said in a press release.

Prior to joining the City of Mississauga, Conard served as the chief building official at the City of Brampton, where he worked to create a culture of innovative, creative design thinking and implemented strategic process modernization. Most recently, he was the acting commissioner, corporate services and the acting director of purchasing at the City of Brampton where he was able to drive meaningful policy changes. Prior to that, he held the role of deputy chief building official at the City of Toronto.

“I am excited and flattered to have the opportunity to join the team at the City of Mississauga,” he said. “I’m looking forward to contributing to the ongoing efforts of delivering, supporting and implementing key initiatives for the continued successful planning, building and growth of Mississauga.”