The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has a new Chief Administrative Officer.
Nick Ruller officially started the job on July 7, after the Town announced his appointment in late June.
Ruller has over 25 years of experience in municipal government, according to a Town news release.
Most recently, Ruller was Fire Chief for the City of Brampton. But before that, Ruller spent a great deal of time working for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. He served as Fire Chief and Community Emergency Management Coordinator for the Town from 2019 to 2022, as well as Deputy Chief and Interim Chief from 2017 to 2019.
“On behalf of Council, I am pleased to welcome Nick Ruller as the Town’s new Chief Administrative Officer,” said Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa. “Nick brings a unique and valuable perspective to the role, having previously participated in the Town’s Senior Leadership Team and served as a member of Council.”
“His understanding of municipal operations, governance, and community needs will serve the Town well as we continue to move forward.”
Ruller grew up in Niagara-on-the-Lake and continues to raise his family in the Town, according to the news release.
He also served on Municipal Council between 2022 and 2024. Ruller left Council in 2024 to take on his most recent position as Brampton’s Fire Chief.
Ruller’s predecessor as CAO, Interim CAO Bruce Zvaniga, also issued a statement.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of working alongside hardworking Council members and staff and moving forward many significant projects and initiatives in the Town that is my home. The recruitment process for a new CAO has been rigorous, and I am confident that Nick will excel in this role.”
“I wish Nick a warm welcome back to the municipality and great success in overseeing the Town’s administration.”
Zvaniga had been serving in an interim capacity since Jan. 1, 2024. Niagara-on-the-Lake’s last permanent CAO was Marnie Cluckie, who resigned in late 2023 to take over the top civil service job in the City of Hamilton.
Jay Goldberg is the Canadian Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center. He previously served as the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
