Dario Novoa

1. What is your role and what does a typical day look like for you?  

I work as a Sewer Maintenance Operator with the City in water, wastewater, and stormwater. My days include cleaning and inspecting sewers, catch basins, and stormwater systems using specialized trucks and equipment. Every day is different, and we solve problems to keep things working safely for everyone.

2. How did you find your way into municipal work?  

I came to Canada from El Salvador 36 years ago. I started with the City in parks, then worked at the landfill, and later moved into sewer maintenance. Municipal work gave me stability, opportunities to learn, and a job I am proud to go to every day.

3. What part of your work has the biggest impact on your community?  

Everyone is impacted by our work because everyone depends on sewers. When they work properly, people stay safe and healthy, and homes and the environment are protected. Most people do not see what we do, but they rely on it every day.

4. What is one moment, project, or accomplishment you’re proud of?  

I am proud of my 25 years of service with the City. I am also proud of being someone my team can count on during problems or emergencies. Doing my job well, even on difficult days, matters to me.

5. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your job? 

People may be surprised by how hard and technical the work is. We work in confined spaces, near traffic, and in all kinds of weather, including cold and rain. Safety and teamwork are essential in everything we do.

6. What do you enjoy most about serving your municipality?  

I truly love my job and am happy to go to work each day. I enjoy solving problems, learning new skills, and working with my coworkers. I also value the stability, benefits, and friendships that come with municipal work.

7. What are you looking forward to in the year ahead?  

I look forward to continuing a stable job that gives me security and balance. That stability allows me to volunteer in my community. I recently received the Labour United Award from United Way, recognizing unionized workers who strengthen communities through service and solidarity, and that meant a great deal to me.

8. Anything else you’d like people to know about your role, your team, or your municipality? 

When I first started with the City, I knew only one other Latino person at work. Recently, there was a day when everyone in my truck was Latino, and we spoke Spanish and listened to Spanish music. After 25 years, that was a first. It made me reflect on how much our workplace has changed, and it was a moment we all enjoyed.