Toronto City Council appointed Tracey Cook as the City of Toronto’s Interim City Manager. She will assume the role on Saturday, August 20, and serve until a permanent City Manager is appointed.
Cook has extensive and varied experience in the public and private sectors, and with the City of Toronto. Since 2019, she has served as the City’s Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure & Development Services and was previously Executive Director of the Municipal Licensing & Standards division for seven years. Cook began her professional career with the Toronto Police Service. She ended her 18 years of service as a detective in the Fraud Squad.
Cook is a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, a Toronto Police Service Chief of Police Award and two City Manager’s Awards of Excellence in the Innovation and Partners categories. She earned an MBA from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University in 2019.
Will Johnston will assume the role of Acting Deputy City Manager of Infrastructure & Development Services, also effective August 20. Johnston is currently the City’s Chief Building Official and Executive Director of Toronto Building where he is responsible for leading a team of professional and technical staff responsible for building permitting and inspection regulatory functions. He is a professional engineer, with a graduate degree in civil engineering from the University of British Columbia, and has more 20 years of public service experience. Before joining the City in 2014, he was the City of Vancouver’s Chief Building Official and Chief Licence Inspector.
Current City Manager Chris Murray announced his departure in June and his last day will be Friday, August 19. A recruitment search is now underway for a new City Manager.
Quotes:
“I am pleased to welcome Tracey into this critical position. Her passion for Toronto and dedication to serving its many diverse communities, as well as extensive experience across multiple City divisions, will serve her well as she leads the Toronto Public Service during this transition phase.”
– Mayor John Tory
“I couldn’t be more proud of Tracey as she steps into this new role. Over the years we’ve worked together, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication to public service and serving the residents of Toronto, as well as navigating many complex and sensitive issues. The City of Toronto is in great hands with Tracey as a leader.”
– Chris Murray, City Manager
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter 
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