David Connauton is the new municipal manager for the Town of Fort Macleod.

On Dec. 5 David Connauton walked through an office door marked “Municipal Manager” and his first day as the town’s chief administrative officer began.
“We are glad to have him on board,” Mayor Shawn Patience said. “We are looking forward to good things and a good working relationship between him and council.”
Before entering the realm of municipal managers Connauton had 17 years of grocery retail. “I loved the people, but the hours got to be crazy.”
Connauton started his career as a chief administrative officer in a small village and has been absorbing information and acquiring education everywhere he can.
“I took training from the get-go. If I was going to do this job I wanted to have the knowledge base to do it properly.”
“I’ve always had a philosophy; the day you figure you know everything is the day you become useless.”
Connauton has the national advanced certificate in local government administration from a course through the University of Alberta.
Connauton has held the title of chief administrative officer for 10 years in different places and was town manager for Assiniboia, Sask. for 14 months before coming to Fort Macleod.
Six years ago when he only had four years of experience, Connauton applied for the position of municipal manager of Fort Macleod but it didn’t pan out in his favour. However, years later the position opened up again and this time he was the successful candidate.
Over the years he got to know Patience as they were often both at the Urban Municipality Association conventions and Connauton thought, “I would love to work for a guy like that.”
“I want to work for people who really love the community, who are passionate for the community and the mayor here definitely has that.”
Connauton also has a passion for the people of Fort Macleod. He believes he is here for the public and not just for council.
“My goal is to help the community grow and thrive the best I can. I want to be a positive influence for the people in town and for this town as a whole.”
This municipal manager has an open door policy and looks forward to talking with anyone who has an issue.
“I can’t always give (everyone) the answers that they want, but I’m definitely willing to listen and bring their issues or ideas to council.”