Municipality Week

Though his official title is pipefitter, Olivier brings much more to the Town of Hampstead’s Public Works Department. Trained as a carpenter-joiner, he combines a wealth of experience with ongoing training to continually refine his craft — a source of great pride in his daily work. Pragmatic by nature, he thrives on challenges that allow him to apply his knowledge and ingenuity to identify the right solution. For the past fifteen years, Olivier has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to projects that directly benefit residents, always striving to deliver his very best.

To him, public works is first and foremost a service to the community — a mission that requires perseverance, precision, and teamwork. Among his most significant contributions is his work with the aqueduct crew, where he has participated in more than a hundred excavations and lead service line replacements. These are often labour-intensive operations, some so complex that the team has had to work continuously for more than twenty-four hours to complete the replacement and safely close the excavation. Such demanding work depends on a tightly coordinated team, trained under CNESST requirements and built around each member’s expertise — operators, labourers, and pipefitters alike. Every individual steps up in solidarity to ensure that the work is carried out effectively and safely.

Olivier’s career stands as a testament to the value of dedication, collective effort, and the pride of serving one’s community.

23 Years of Service!

For over two decades, Tim Kowal has been a dedicated member of the Town of Hampstead’s Public Security team. His career reflects professionalism, community engagement, and a strong sense of collaboration. As liaison to the Urban Planning Department, he has played a pivotal role in aligning the efforts of two key municipal services.

“My work goes far beyond enforcing regulations. I see it as an opportunity to engage residents and contractors on the importance of construction permits, because this is what ensures both compliance and the safety of our built environment,” he explains.

Throughout his career, Tim has witnessed the department expand its responsibilities and reach, while never losing sight of its core mission: safeguarding public safety. A strong advocate for community initiatives and inclusive events, he values every chance to connect directly with residents.

“The heartfelt appreciation expressed by citizens remains my greatest source of motivation. Every thank-you is proof that our daily efforts truly make a difference.”

For the past four years, Kristina has consistently embodied the strong sense of community that defines Hampstead. Through her role at Town Hall, she stands at the very heart of the relationship between the municipal administration and residents, contributing each day to maintaining a delicate balance between heritage and innovation.

“What motivates me is seeing the results of our efforts right away and knowing that they truly enhance residents’ quality of life.”

To her, recreation, municipal services, and human connection are not mere amenities, but essential pillars of collective well-being. Every project undertaken, whether modest or ambitious, reflects a steadfast commitment to preserving the quality of life, safety, and vitality that make Hampstead unique. For Kristina, serving residents means acting with care, dedication, and an unwavering focus on the best interests of the community.

Since 2013, Jonathan Desa has embodied the teamwork, discipline, and resilience that define the Town of Hampstead’s Public Works Department. A proud member of a close-knit team, he finds as much satisfaction in supporting his colleagues as he does in achieving collective success.

One of the most demanding — and rewarding — times of the year is snow removal season, a true test of coordination and operational efficiency. Beginning on November 15, three specialized teams are deployed, each responsible for one of the Town’s three divisions. This period, while lucrative, is highly demanding and requires unwavering solidarity. It also fosters friendly competition, as each crew strives to distinguish itself through operational excellence in the field.

Jonathan often likens these operations to a high-level strategic exercise, where meticulous planning and precise execution come together to maintain safe roadways. Last winter’s blizzard proved this beyond doubt: despite extreme conditions, the teams delivered exceptional performance, ensuring both safety and mobility across the community.

What began as a student internship gradually evolved into an exemplary career spanning nearly three decades. For 28 years, Chandra has played a central role in shaping community life in Hampstead, mastering with precision and experience the many dimensions of her department.

“My most memorable moment was my very first event in 2012. It was a resounding success and a defining milestone in my career. I also take immense pride in the development of the new tennis courts.”

For Chandra, recreation is not an accessory or a luxury, but rather a vital pillar of collective well-being: “Recreation is equally important for the mind, the body, and the soul.”

She is firmly convinced that her work contributes not only to the physical and psychological health of residents but also to strengthening their sense of belonging. She highlights Hampstead’s unique character, defined by its strong family-oriented identity and spirit of solidarity. Her professional approach—rooted in careful planning and genuine dedication—seeks to create spaces for dialogue and collaboration, where residents can share their ideas and projects.

Residents are therefore invited to meet her at the Irving L. Adessky Community Centre this Thursday, from 11 a.m. to noon, to exchange ideas and help shape the future of the community together.