City of Vancouver hires Delta's head as new City Manager | Daily Hive

City of Vancouver hires Delta's Donny van Dyk as new City Manager

Donny van Dyk. (City of Delta)

The City of Vancouver has officially appointed Donny van Dyk — currently serving as City Manager of the City of Delta — as its new City Manager.

Over the next few weeks, van Dyk will transition from his current leadership role as the City Manager of the City of Delta, where he has overseen key planning, housing, and infrastructure initiatives since September 2023.

The City Manager of a municipal government is effectively the CEO of the City, handling day-to-day responsibilities for the overall leadership and coordination of City operations.

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“On behalf of Vancouver City Council, I’m thrilled to welcome Donny van Dyk as our new City Manager,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim in a statement.

“Donny brings a results-driven mindset and a strong mix of public and private sector experience that will help us deliver real, tangible outcomes for Vancouverites. As we take on key priorities like meeting our budget targets, delivering the next four-year capital plan, and advancing important work to support residents and businesses, Donny’s proven ability to deliver practical results makes him the right person to lead the implementation of Council’s ambitious agenda.”

Appointed by the Mayor and Vancouver City Council, the City Manager essentially serves the same function as the CEO of an organization. The position is responsible for providing overall strategic direction to all City departments, overseeing the implementation of Council’s decisions and priorities, and managing Vancouver’s multi-billion-dollar operating and capital budgets.

As the highest-ranking non-elected official, the City Manager acts as a crucial link between City Council and City staff, ensuring policies are executed into practical, effective actions. This leadership role is pivotal in guiding Vancouver’s urban development, public services, and long-term planning, shaping the city’s livability, economic vitality, and future growth. The City Manager is also the highest-paid individual in the City bureaucracy.

“Donny has brought strong leadership and thoughtful direction to Delta over the past two years,” said Delta Mayor George V. Harvie, reacting to van Dyk’s departure. “Council is grateful for his many contributions, from advancing key priorities to fostering a culture of excellence within the organization. He leaves Delta well-positioned for continued success and we wish him all the best in his next chapter.”

Dylan Kruger, a Delta city councillor, shared that he personally asked van Dyk to apply for the position with Delta’s municipal government, and called him a “transformation leader” for the community over the past two years.

“His get-it-done attitude helped to cut through red tape and deliver results for Delta residents. In a short time, he helped produce Delta’s first new Official Community Plan (OCP) in nearly 40 years, plan and break ground on the new Winskill Aquatic Centre, the largest capital project in Delta history, and make critical advancements on previously stalled Ladner Village revitalization efforts. While he will be deeply missed in Delta, I believe Vancouver will be the better for it,” said Kruger.

Van Dyk will conclude his role with the City of Delta on September 5 and begin his new position with the City of Vancouver on September 8, 2025.

His appointment comes after last week’s sudden departure of Paul Mochrie, who has had a 14-year career with Vancouver’s municipal government, including as its City Manager since early 2021.

The departure of Mochrie and the appointment of van Dyk marks the most significant shift in Vancouver’s top bureaucratic leadership since the late 2000s, signalling a potentially strategic political shift under Mayor Sim and his ABC Vancouver–led City Council.

city of vancouver interim leadership summer 2025

City of Vancouver interim leadership structure, Summer 2025. (City of Vancouver)

City of Vancouver leadership structure, 2024. (City of Vancouver)

Before joining Delta’s municipal government, van Dyk served as City Manager for the City of Penticton from 2019 to 2023 — leading Penticton through the pandemic, floods, and wildfires — and for the District of New Hazelton from 2010 to 2013.

Between 2013 and 2019, he worked with Calgary-based energy giant Enbridge, first as its manager of coastal Indigenous and community relations, and later in other areas of finance, government affairs, and external relations.

Originally from Terrace, B.C., he holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Coast Mountain College, a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Northern British Columbia, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Victoria. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant.

“I’m honoured to have Council’s trust as I step into this role and am excited to serve the City of Vancouver. I look forward to working with Mayor Sim, Council, City leadership and the talented City of Vancouver staff team as we deliver on Council’s agenda for a vibrant and inclusive future for everyone who lives and works in this world-class city,” said van Dyk in a statement on his new role for Vancouver’s municipal government.

Reflecting on his departure from Delta, van Dyk added, “It’s been a privilege to serve this Council as City Manager and work alongside the talented team in Delta. I’m incredibly appreciative of this opportunity and what we’ve accomplished together. Delta is a remarkable community and while moving on is never easy, I’m confident in the direction the City is headed.”

City of Vancouver leadership structure, 2020. (City of Vancouver)

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