Today is the last day on the job for Niagara Regional Police Chief Jeff McGuire and sources tell us it is also the last day on the job for Ken Noakes, General Manager of the Meridian Centre.
CKTB News called the company that runs the downtown St. Catharines facility, SMG, at their Pennsylvania headquarters and a spokeswoman told us she could not confirm the report.
However an ad for the position began running on the website, Workopolis three days ago.
The ad reads, "SMG, the leader in privately managed public assembly facilities, has an excellent and immediate opening for the General Manger position at Meridian Centre in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. The General Manager is responsible for the overall management, promotion and operation of the facility, including purchasing, booking, marketing, finance, human resources, food and beverage, box office, advertising, security, production, maintenance, parking and related operations by performing the following duties personally or through subordinates."
To see the job ad click here.
St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik has issued the following statement in response:
“On behalf of the City of St. Catharines, I’d like to thank Ken for his service in helping to open the Meridian Centre and leading its first few years of operations. I’d like to wish Ken all the best in this next chapter.
The City has no direct role in staffing decisions at the Meridian Centre - this is the sole responsibility of SMG. City staff will continue to work with the interim and future general manager to ensure the Meridian Centre remains a successful, world class venue.
The Meridian Centre was envisioned to be a catalyst to spur the revitalization of downtown St. Catharines and it has exceeded expectations. Council and staff will work with SMG and the new general manager to continue to attract top talent like Elton John and Jerry Seinfeld and national and international sporting events and continue this positive momentum.” – Mayor Walter Sendzik