Celebrating our Public Works Team

A Wealth of Knowledge and Experience

Traditionally, April is a month to honour volunteers across Canada, and The Watershed has plans to do just that, beginning next week. But before we do, we'd like to celebrate the wealth of talent in Lions Bay's Public Works Department.

For the second winter in a row, the West Coast has been beset by much higher than normal snowfall, and the village would have been completely snowed under if it hadn't been for our Works team – just one of the many tasks undertaken by this crew every day.

As reported in The Watershed on January 16, the crew said goodbye to Kyle McCallum and Clint Evernden at the beginning of 2023. At the time, it was clear they would be tough to replace, and indeed, that has been the case, as the positions remain unfilled. Still, despite being two team-members down, the Works Department has continued to dig out the roads and clear a path for residents in uncounted ways throughout this stormy spring season.

This week, we begin by introducing Public Works Manager Naizam Jaffer. Next month will mark Nai’s seventh year with the Village of Lions Bay. He's an experienced public works professional, with a career spanning more than 30 years. Here in the village, Nai's extensive experience is put to good use. As Public Works Manager, he's responsible for the overall direction, planning, control, and oversight of all operational programs and capital infrastructure for the village.

Nai's accomplishments have made a huge difference to the village. He completed the Lions Bay Infrastructure Master Plan project, and successfully applied for the infrastructure grants that funded the $2.25 million replacement of the Harvey Water Tank and the three village Pressure Regulating Valves (PRVs), as well as spearheading the more than $1 million grant that is earmarked to cover the cost of the Lions Bay Beach Park washrooms. The list of technical certificates he holds reflects the broad range of his expertise from sewer and waterworks through municipal planning and map-reading to emergency management training in command systems and emergency operation logistics.

Nai came to Lions Bay from his role as Superintendent of Utilities for the District of

West Vancouver, where he was responsible for the daily operations and maintenance of two water filtration plants, a water distribution system, and a wastewater collection and treatment plant. He also acted as Superintendent of Roads and Section Manager for Park Facilities, both in West Van. His very first project management role was construction of the Board, Blades and Basket’s hardcourt in Ambleside Park.

Residents who tune into village council meetings will recognize Nai as the go-to guy for answers when it comes to the behind-the-scenes operation of the village. Lions Bay is lucky to have such a talented and experienced individual leading the Public Works team. Next time you see him in the village, make sure to give him a high five.

This month, The Watershed will introduce you to the rest of Nai Jaffer's team, including Garth, Alberto, Aiden and Andrew. So next time, when the road in front of you is clear or the water runs clean and sparkling from your tap – you'll know who to thank.