Prince Albert Public Works Director Jeff da Silva has resigned from the City, with Tim Earing taking over the department on an interim basis.
City Manager Craig Guidinger confirmed Friday that da Silva tendered his resignation within the past few days and has left the City rather than transferring to another department.
Earing has filled the acting director role at different times in the past and will serve in the position while the City considers its next steps.
Da Silva’s departure comes during a busy period for Public Works, including the City’s response to drinking water taste, odour and discolouration concerns this summer.
The recent water concerns were also raised in relation to the leadership change, but Guidinger said he would not speculate about da Silva’s reasons for leaving.
“I respect Jeff too much to speculate the reasons for his resignation,” Guidinger said. “He’s been a valued member of the Public Works team for a number of years, and he’s made lots of really positive contributions for the city.”
Da Silva oversaw a broad department that includes roadways, engineering, fleet operations, sanitation, the airport, water treatment and sewer and wastewater services.
During his tenure, Public Works moved ahead with infrastructure and planning work across the city.
One example was Marquis Road, where roadway improvements were coordinated with underground utility work. Da Silva told council the two programs were able to work “in tandem,” allowing the City to get important work done together rather than treating the projects separately.
Da Silva also told council Public Works was moving toward a more systematic approach to capital planning, looking at infrastructure risk, expected asset life and renewal needs when deciding which projects should be given priority.
That approach was also reflected in the City’s 2026 sanitary and storm sewer rehabilitation program. Public Works reviewed more than 20 kilometres of sewer inspection footage to identify deteriorating sections and direct funding toward higher-risk infrastructure. The program targeted approximately 1.5 kilometres of sanitary and storm sewer mains along with 17 localized repairs using trenchless rehabilitation methods.
Public Works was also involved in planning for future growth in West Hill. When council awarded detailed design work for the West Hill Master Plan in 2025, da Silva said the work would establish more detail on roads, services, drainage and grades so new development could properly connect with existing City infrastructure.
Guidinger credited da Silva for his strong handling of a number of challenges during his time with the City.
“He’s had a lot of difficult files over the years as well,” Guidinger said. “He’s been a really good employee. Again, wishing him nothing but the best, and I really value his contributions.”
Guidinger said he does not expect da Silva’s departure to interrupt the City’s response to the current water concerns or delay other major Public Works projects.
“We have a lot of really good leaders and managers in Public Works, so I’m very confident in their abilities to continue to move those files forward,” he said.
Guidinger described Earing as a “steadfast expert” in managing the water situation and said he does not expect any short-term impact on services.
The City has not yet outlined how the permanent Public Works director position will be filled.
Guidinger said his immediate focus is maintaining continuity within the department while considering its longer-term leadership.
“With any new city manager, there’s always value in taking a step back and making sure that we’re providing the best value to our citizens as possible,” he said. “So I’m not going to rush into any decisions.”
arjun.pillai@paherald.sk.ca
