Projects&Priorities

Key Projects Completed in 2022

Leadership Development Workshops –Theme: Leading with Care and Influence

In 2022, exempt and unionized employees participated in leadership workshops focused on the theme: Leading with Care and Influence. These great learning opportunities covered basic labour relations skills and some sessions extend to a tour at St Eugene where staff learnt a lot about First Nations culture.

Development and Approval of a Diversity and Inclusion (DEI) policy

This foundational policy was developed to support the city’s compliance with the Accessibility BC Act, as well as laying the groundwork for developing a DEI Accountability Framework. More work is to be done through 2023.

Occupational Health and Safety

People Work Supervisor Program - In 2022, 30 city leaders enrolled in a safety coaching and communication program, facilitated by our partner Kevin Burns Learning. This unique program offered insights on how to empower, motivate and build trusting relationships, helping supervisors to create safety-focused teams. Comprised of weekly self-study lessons and instructor led group video discussions, the program emphasized safety culture improvements, guiding employees towards building a better, safer workplace.

Top Projects/Priorities 2023 onward

Human Resources Information System (HRIS)

We contracted Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG) to help transition the City’s paper-based human resources and payroll practices into online platforms. We expect to complete this project before the end of 2023.

Mental Health and Psychological Safety in the Workplace

Mental Health initiatives are a high priority for the City in 2023.

In 2022, the City of Cranbrook’s mental health claims were about $200,000.00 and amounted to above 50% of all claims. Given this high experience rate, and additional concerns expressed across Canada, HR will focus on developing mental health programs that help staff with effective return-to-work plans.

Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management System – Building upon current OHS program achievements, the City will continue to formalize the Occupational Health and Safety Management System. This will provide clear guidance on topics such as workplace inspections, hazard identification, injury management, etc. The development of this system will improve consistency and standardization across all departments.

Certificate of Recognition (COR)

COR is a voluntary employer certification program intended to motivate employers to take a proactive role in health and safety. It recognizes and rewards employers who exceed regulatory requirements and implement an effective occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS), and then pass a certification audit. Once the OHSMS is fully implemented the City will strive for COR certification.

Corporate Staff Development Programs

These programs will continue to be provided based on annual priorities from staff. We believe a continuous learning culture will keep City employees abreast with the ever-changing world of municipal operations.