The Municipality of West-Interlake is losing one staff member, while gaining another. Reeve Randy Helgason says they've started the hiring process for a new public works supervisor this week, following the current employee's announcement he'd be retiring.

"We had Ernie Arnes who was our public works supervisor. He sold his residence here and is building a house in Selkirk as he retires. He's an ex-RCMP officer who worked for us for approximately three years and did a really good job. He was our EMO coordinator as well, so we're losing a good member of our staff."

Helgason notes they also approved a hiring at this week's Council meeting. They've hired a local man to look after economic development for half of the municipality.

"We've hired an economic development officer for Ward 2, it's Clayton Gibson and he's going to do a great job. He's really gung-ho, he's interested in the community, and he's from the community. That's a positive thing."

Helgason notes they already have a staff member looking after economic development in Ward 1, but after she was unable to expand her duties, they decided to hire an additional staff member.

"What happened was Ward 1 has an EDO coordinator. We offered her the chance to look after both wards. She's part time and didn't feel she could commit to both."

He adds having economic development officers in both wards will have major benefits to the municipality, noting they can apply for grants, and focus on improving the local economy.