Vancouver's chief building official abruptly departs after 12 years

Saul Schwebs, Vancouver's chief building official for the past five years, has been let go after 12 years with the city. Schwebs was responsible for overseeing structural safety and building regulation across Vancouver. Corrie Okell, the city's general manager of development, buildings and licensing, notified staff Wednesday morning by email of the departure. Another city employee has been temporarily appointed as acting chief building official. Okell acknowledged Schwebs' contributions but provided no explanation for the sudden exit. The reason for his departure was not immediately clear. Schwebs received his master's degree in architecture and worked as an architect in Chicago before joining Vancouver's city staff as a building inspector in 2014, advancing through several promotions. The departure marks the latest in a series of high-profile exits from city hall since former city manager Paul Mochrie resigned last summer, including some related to cost-cutting and property tax freezes that council ordered.