Waterfront manager taking medical leave, Pepe stepping in temporarily

Katherine Dugmore is taking a medical leave of absence and will step down temporarily from her position as the waterfront project manager, the city confirmed Monday.

Dugmore will seek treatment for cancer and focus on her health during this absence, a City of Thunder Bay news release stated.

Paul Pepe, the current manager of tourism, will temporarily fill Dugmore’s shoes as waterfront project manager on Tuesday.

Greg Alexander, general manager of the city’s community services department, said he would hire someone this week to handle tourism and let Pepe focus on his new responsibilities.

Alexander said Pepe’s background in construction isn’t as important to him as his relationship with city council, experience handling the tourism department and knowing the staff.

"With the waterfront project coming down to its conclusion, it’s important for him to focus," Alexander said. "He brings a knowledge of the city and he’s been working with us for several years and he’s comfortable working with council and since we’re in the final stages, his role will mostly be communication and co-ordination."

All correspondences that were formerly directed to Dugmore will now be handled by Pepe. However, all other lines of communication with the waterfront development office will remain the same.