Archdiocese hires new Building & Property Specialist

Explanatory letter from the Archdiocesan Finance Office

In November 2024, the Finance Administrator of the Archdiocese presented a plan of exit for her retirement in June 2027. The plan consisted of having the finance department divided in two – Finance/Accounting and Building and Property Specialist. We are aware of the finances barring this position, but this seems to be a need for our Archdiocese.

Phase 1: Hiring a Building and Property Specialist

Dale Wald is joining our team as the Building and Property Specialist. Dale grew up in Grimshaw and after spending time in college and university decided to return to the Peace Country to be close to family and friends. He is now living in Grimshaw with is wife and two young daughters that keeping the family busy with swimming, gymnastics, and figure skating as well as performing their duties as altar servers at Our Lady of Peace in Peace River.

Dale’s introduction into carpentry came from working summers for his father’s construction company. Dale completed his Red Seal Journeyman Certification in the spring of 2000 and has worked on many residential, commercial and industrial projects until 2013, when he switched from construction to building maintenance with the local School Division.

The selection committee for the position saw in Dale the right candidate for the job. As much because of his experience, knowledge and understanding of the job, but also because he is calm, kind and eager to experience new opportunities.

Dale will start this new position during the week of February 17, 2026. His main office will be in his own home, where he will have a designated area for his work, but his duties will have him serving the entire diocese; buildings and cemeteries. In the near future, Dale will visit your parish, meeting with Priest and Finance Council (including the building person) to introduce himself and have a better picture of our situation with all our facilities. This includes the condition of the buildings and inventory reports. Keep in mind, Dale is not there to replace your council but to assist and liaise between the parish and diocese, working to find solutions, developing projects and reporting to the Finance Administrator. He will also be looking over our cemeteries, providing supervision and following up on the plans of parish and community cemetery operators to address identified maintenance and repair needs.

All projects of maintenance and repair will need to follow the Archdiocesan Policy for approval.

Phase 2: Hiring a new Finance Administrator

This phase will be activated in early 2027, to permit the new person to be properly trained on the policies and procedures of the Archdiocese. The hope is that this will create a cohesive and straightforward transition.

In this time of change, we appreciate your understanding, patience, and cooperation. If you have question or concern, don’t hesitate to contact the office.