Former city manager Stan Westby, who was fired from his position last fall, has left the North for flatter ground in the Prairies.

Westby is now the city manager in Warman, Sask., a community of more than 7,000 people in the central part of the province, which had its status changed from town to city two years ago.

Warman Mayor Sheryl Spence welcomed Westby to his position on her blog last New Year's Eve, stating: "This year we will see some changes in our leadership with Mr. Stanley Westby joining our team as Warman's new city manager. 

"Please drop by and welcome Stanley to Warman. Let's show him what a friendly community we live in. Remember Stanley is moving here from B.C., so I think our Warman friendly welcome will be in order. 

"Stanley, on behalf of Warman City Council and staff, we welcome you to our team and look forward to the years ahead.”

The blog, which features a photo of Westby, goes on to note the community's previous manager, Ivan Gabrysh, was retiring.

The City of Warman initially issued a press release dated Nov. 25, 2013 announcing it had hired Westby, who would take on the role Jan. 2.

It states he has more than 20 years in local government, including working in Whitehorse, among other communities.

"While at City of Whitehorse he led an Organization Review which strategically aligned the city's structure to council's goals and objectives,” it's noted.

The $80,000 organizational review happened prior to Westby joining the City of Whitehorse.

The implementation, which saw two new directors' positions, came after he began working as city manager.

It was Westby who announced shortly after his arrival in Whitehorse that the city would move into four divisions as part of the new structure.

The Warman press release also notes his educational background.

"He demonstrates an exceptional strategic vision and innovation as exemplified by passionate and innovative leadership at the municipal level,” states the release.

"Stanley's vast experience and education, combined with his communication abilities, strategic visionary planning, and positive energetic attitude, will ensure his success in this role.”

The press release ends with Westby commenting on his appointment: "My wife Doreen and I are honoured and excited to be making this move to your beautiful community. Together, we shall grow and prosper in a prudent and sustainable manner.”

Spence could not be reached for comment.

Westby, a chartered accountant by trade, was fired from his position as Whitehorse's city manager last September following a suspension the previous April and subsequent medical leave.

He had started the job in August 2012, coming from Powell River, B.C., where he was the CAO for close to a decade after serving as the community's director of finance since 1999.

Previous to that, he worked in finance in a number of communities in B.C.'s Lower Mainland.

While the city has stated Westby was fired with cause, it has not provided further details, stating it was a personnel matter.

Reached late Wednesday afternoon, Westby asked the Star to call him back late this morning.

When the paper did so, he was unavailable to take the call.

Interim Whitehorse city manager Brian Crist has been assuming the role of city manager since Westby's suspension.

Officials announced last week that Christine Smith, a director with the territory's Department of Community Service, has been hired as the next city manager and will begin working at the city next month.