Lead lawyer for Saskatoon City Hall leaving post

Saskatoon’s city solicitor is leaving her position.

Patricia Warwick informed city council she would retire from civic service effective Monday, Ward 3 Coun. Ann Iwanchuk confirmed to 650 CKOM on Friday.

Warwick has served as city solicitor since 2012, and has worked as a lawyer for the city for 25 years.

No reason was given for her departure, and she couldn’t be reached for comment.

However, the move comes just weeks after city council voted to restructure the City of Saskatoon’s organization chart — which included a move to have the city solicitor report to the city manager instead of directly to city council.

The initiative was largely discussed behind closed doors on March 25 due to labour and privacy implications, but Ward 1 Coun. Darren Hill raised concerns about the move once council returned to its public meeting.

“How can we ensure that we are getting independent legal advice that’s not being influenced by senior administration?” he asked.

Iwanchuk said it would be addressed through protocols built into the new governance structure.

Hill was the only councillor to vote against the changes.