Photo credit: Chris Taylor.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent saw a modest increase in the number of employees making an annual salary of more than $100,000 in 2022.

According to information released under Ontario’s Salary Disclosure Act, there were 326 municipal employees on the so-called Sunshine List for 2022, up from 302 the year prior. Those on the list made an average salary of $128,014.

The top earner employed by the municipality was Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby who took home $285,826 last year.

Chief Administrative Officer Thomas Kelly was paid the second most at $259,035, despite abruptly leaving the municipality’s employment four months after he was promoted to the position. Prior to being named CAO, Kelly held the position of general manager of infrastructure and engineering.

Outgoing CAO Don Shropshire also made the list, making $257,950. Shropshire was expected to retire at the end of 2021, however, he remained in the position due to the aftermath of the Wheatley explosion and Kelly’s sudden departure.

Other notable earners include Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn who made $258,965 last year, and Fire Chief Chris Case who made $204,336.

Under the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, public sector organizations such as hospitals, school boards, municipalities, colleges, universities and hydroelectric companies owned by the province are required to list employees who earn $100,000 or more each year.

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CK’s Top Earners In 2022

  • David Colby, Medical Officer of Health: $285,826 
  • Thomas J Kelly, Chief Administrative Officer: $259,035 
  • Gary G Conn, Police Chief: $258,965 
  • Donald J Shropshire, Chief Administrative Officer: $257,950
  • April E Rietdyk, General Manager, Community Human Services/Chief Executive Officer Public Health: $226,271
  • Kirk J Earley, Deputy Police Chief: $221,687
  • Catherine Hoffman, General Manager, Corporate Services / Chief Human Resources Officer: $204,612 
  • Christopher John Case, Fire Chief: $204,336
  • Timothy M Sunderland, General Manager, Public Utilities Commission: $203,017
  • Gord F Quinton, General Manager, Finance Budget Information Technology Services / Chief Financial Officer / Treasurer: $195,802