SF Township Welcomes New Chief Building Official

Jan 18, 2017

Ryan Arcand has his work cut out for him as the new Chief Building Official for South Frontenac Township.

Working for a municipality that covers more than 941 sq. kms and staged to grow, the new manager seems undaunted by a busy building season lurking around the corner.

"My main goal is to work with people," the 42-year-old said from a coffee shop in early 2017. "The Ontario Building Code is complex and a lot of people don't understand it. It's our job to work with people to help them understand it."

Wrapped in a warm sweater to ward-off cold air seeping through cracks in the windowsill, Arcand talked openly about his family and life.

Describing himself as laidback, easy going, open-minded and fair, he admitted he would like to move to the township someday. For now, he plans to stay in Amherstview where he and his partner are raising six children.

"My children are too young and are really involved in their schools," he explained about the children aged 17 to 6.

A trained Architectural Technologist from Sudbury, Arcand has been in the building business since 1997.

Before starting his new role with the township on Dec. 5, he worked for the City of Kingston for 11 years.

"I was looking for a challenge and career advancement," he noted about the career move. "This new role will allow me to expand my skill set."

Taking over from Brian Gass, the township's former Chief Building Official, Arcand will serve a population of 18,100 in areas such as Sydenham, Verona, Harrowsmith, Hartington, Bellrock, Perth Road Village, Battersea, Inverary and Sunbury as well as the rural countryside.

In addition to its large geographical area, the township has more than 75 lakes.
"It can take 40/45 minutes just to get to an inspection," Arcand says about the job requirements.

Asked about future development in the township, Arcand replied quickly, "I see a lot of development in South Frontenac. There's a lot of potential for development here."

According to Arcand, his plan is to provide a welcoming place for business to come-in and get good customer service. He plans to accomplish this through an open-door policy and a strong customer-focus.

Citing 71 new home starts in 2016, the Chief Building Official admitted he will have a better sense of development in South Frontenac this year after the permit season which is typically March to October.

"I welcome any contractor, builder or citizen," said Arcand. "If they have questions, please call our development department. We're here to help."