RAINY RIVER – The District of Rainy River Services Board has announced that Faisal Anwar will be appointed as its new director of community services, starting this September.
“His role is very focused on our community-based programs, which are vital to the social infrastructure and economic stability of all the communities across our district,” said Charene Gillis, chief administrative officer for the board.
Anwar will oversee key areas including community housing, homelessness prevention, Ontario Works, children’s services and directly delivered child care programs across the board's region.
Anwar brings more than 21 years of leadership experience in public service, having worked in five municipal communities across three provinces. He holds three master's degrees and has completed advanced training in leadership and project management.
Most recently, Anwar served as chief administrative officer for the Municipality of Grandview in Manitoba and previously held the same position in the Town of Fort Frances.
“That municipal experience will help him transition into the role more quickly,” she said. “He understands the importance of building strong partnerships with the municipalities we support and with the service providers we work with.”
With a regional mandate to address the growing need for affordable housing, Anwar is expected to lead several new initiatives.
“Our board has a mandate to build new housing, recognizing critical shortages, particularly in affordable housing,” said Gillis. “He will definitely be helping us to advance that portfolio.”
Gillis added that Anwar’s experience in identifying and addressing housing needs aligns with the board's current priorities.
“We feel he’ll be able to step into the role and really help advance our housing portfolio fairly seamlessly,” she said.
