The City of Vancouver has appointed a new city manager. Donny van Dyk, a respected municipal leader from Terrace, will take over the top administrative role at city hall. The decision comes shortly after Paul Mochrie announced he would step down from the position.
Van Dyk, 40, brings over a decade of experience in both public and private sectors. He currently serves as the general manager of the City of Delta, a role he took on in September 2023. Before that, he served four years as city manager in Penticton, where his leadership earned praise for driving key developments and improvements.
Born and raised in Terrace, van Dyk has deep roots in British Columbia. His background in both business and public administration gives him a strong foundation for this new role. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Northern British Columbia. He later earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Victoria.
In addition to his education, van Dyk is a chartered professional accountant. His career includes five years at Enbridge, where he held senior roles in community and Indigenous relations, finance, and government affairs. He also served as the chief administrative officer for the District of New Hazelton in northern B.C.
His time in Delta has been marked by important progress. One of his major achievements was overseeing the creation of a new official community plan, the first update in 30 years. He also led the revitalization plan for Ladner Village, a long-delayed project that has now gained momentum.
His appointment in Delta was welcomed with strong support. Delta’s mayor at the time, George Harvie, praised van Dyk’s experience and leadership style. Harvie noted that van Dyk brought energy and a clear vision that matched Delta’s plans for growth. His record in Penticton was also highlighted as an example of his ability to guide a city through change.
Van Dyk’s work has gained a reputation for being community-focused and forward-thinking. His style of leadership combines financial expertise with a passion for local governance. His move to Vancouver marks the next step in a career built on steady growth and success.
Vancouver’s city manager is one of the most critical roles in local government. The position involves managing thousands of staff, overseeing city operations, and helping to implement the mayor and council’s goals. Van Dyk will step into this key role during a time when Vancouver is dealing with major urban challenges, including housing, infrastructure, and climate policy.
His background suggests he is well-equipped to handle these responsibilities. He has shown a strong ability to lead teams, manage change, and improve communities. His understanding of both large urban centers and smaller northern towns gives him a broad view of what works in city management.
Van Dyk’s appointment is expected to be announced officially by Mayor Ken Sim on Thursday. He will replace Paul Mochrie, who has served as Vancouver’s city manager since 2021. Mochrie’s resignation opened the door for new leadership, and many believe van Dyk is the right person to take on the task.
As he prepares to step into his new role, van Dyk brings not just experience, but also a strong connection to British Columbia. His story—from Terrace to Vancouver—reflects a career committed to public service and effective governance. Now, all eyes are on how he will shape the next chapter for Canada’s third-largest city.
