After being hired to fill a role that was deemed to be very important for the future of our city, Deb Thorn has announced she is resigning as Moose Jaw's Economic Development Officer.

The news has come as a shock to some considering all of the work that she's helped to get underway.

Viewed as key to getting our city to expand, the position was moved from part time to full time in 2013. Since then, several major projects have come online including Moose Jaw being a potential site for the new SaskPower Gas Generation Site, proposed construction of a protein plant, as well as a new Canadian Tire shopping centre.

"I think we've done a great job as a city. A lot of of the major projects, which have been in the news, the economic development work is done. Now it's time for me to hand that over to senior administration and council to close those deals."

As for what's next, Thorn says she's "going to take the summer off, and take a look at where I want to go in the future. Sometimes you need to do that in your career."

Jim Dixon will be taking over as the new EDO, at least on an interim basis. Thorn says it's sometimes good to bring in a new set of eyes just to verify that you're on the right path.

Moose Jaw mayor Fraser Tolmie says he's in favour of ensuring the EDO position, which is a line item in the city's annual budget, remains. 

"I think it's something important," said Tolmie.  "We want to see Moose Jaw grow and we want to attract different people to our city.  Having an economic development officer who is dedicated to that role would be fantastic."

Tolmie says it's too early to say who may fill that role on a permanent basis.