The City of Greater Sudbury is centrally located in Northeastern Ontario at the convergence of three major highways. It is situated on the Canadian Shield in the Great Lakes Basin and is composed of a rich mix of urban, suburban, rural and wilderness environments. Greater Sudbury is 3,186 square kilometres in area, making it the geographically largest municipality in Ontario and second largest in Canada. Greater Sudbury is considered a city of lakes, containing 330 lakes and the world’s largest lake contained within a city, Lake Wanapitei. It has over 3,600 lane kilometres of roads, which is approximately the same distance as Greater Sudbury to Mexico as the crow flies.
In 2018, Greater Sudbury was home to approximately 166,000 people and is the largest city in Northern Ontario by population. It is administratively a single-tier municipality.
Greater Sudbury is a world-class mining centre and is a regional hub for many Ontario residents who live in nearby communities. These visitors come to the city to visit with family and friends, for cultural and educational experiences, such as Science North and Dynamic Earth, for entertainment, for shopping and for conducting business. The city also supports Laurentian University, Cambrian College and Collège Boréal.
About the Purchasing Section
The Purchasing Section operates in a decentralized procurement model and is located within the Finance Division. Our primary responsibilities are to provide procurement advice and guidance, coordinate open-competitive procurements, manage procurement policies and procedures, provide training, and manage the procurement card program. Our role has been evolving over the past few years and our services are expanding. The Purchasing Section is led by the Manager, Purchasing/Chief Procurement Officer, and has seven staff (Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Coordinators (four), Junior Purchasing Coordinator, and a Purchasing Clerk). The Purchasing Section services the City and includes emergency services (EMS and Fire), the housing corporation, and a long-term care facility. In addition, the Purchasing Section also services local boards that include the police, library and airport.
About the Team
Kari Bertrand, Manager, Purchasing/Chief Procurement Officer
With my eye set on becoming an accountant, my path was quickly derailed when I took a summer student position in finance at the college I was attending, and my workspace was the buyer’s desk that had been empty for a few months. One thing led to another, and it was decided that I could work part-time in that role while finishing my post-secondary education. This is where my career in public procurement began. I have worked in public procurement for almost 20 years in various roles in the college and municipal sectors. I have been with the City of Greater Sudbury for about five years. I have continuously advanced my education with many procurement-specific courses and have obtained the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) and Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) designations and the Osgoode Certificate in Public Procurement Law and Practice.
I love my career in public procurement. It gives me a sense of purpose to be able to ensure that taxpayers are receiving value for money and that suppliers are being treated fairly. It allows me to use my problem-solving skills and to share knowledge with my colleagues and stakeholders. I enjoy mentoring new staff and watching their career progress in the field. Public procurement has and continues to evolve at a rapid pace and it has been quite an amazing experiencing being a part of the progression to ensure that we are continuously improving.
I have lived in Greater Sudbury for about 17 years and enjoy the amenities of a large city and love that it is surrounded by nature. It is a short distance from Killarney Provincial Park and Manitoulin Island.
Stephanie Rocca, Purchasing Agent
I graduated from Cambrian College with a Business Administration diploma in 2001. I began my career with the City of Greater Sudbury in 2002 and, in 2011, I began working in procurement as a Purchasing Coordinator. I continued advancing my education with procurement-specific courses and obtained the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) designation in 2022.
There is so much I enjoy about working in procurement. Being in this field requires critical thinking as procurement professionals are required to analyze information and make recommendations on the best path forward. I enjoy working with operating departments and developing successful working relationships and trust with my colleagues. I enjoy the concept of life-long learning and the pursuit of improving and streamlining processes. Procurement is an ever-changing environment and various factors impact how we perform our jobs (e.g. – case law, technology). We must stay on top of new developments to ensure we are offering the best possible service.
I was born and raised in Greater Sudbury. It is unique in the sense that there are a wide variety of activities to take part in and all can be done within a 10 km radius of each other. I can go for a hike at the beautiful Lake Laurentian Conversation Area, eat the most delicately crafted sushi at a locally owned restaurant called Sapporo Ichibang, and visit the Sudbury Theatre Centre for a premier theatrical experience.
Cheryl Brisson, Purchasing Coordinator
In 2010 I started my career in manufacturing and operations coordination which lead to coordinating purchasing and logistical activities which I highly enjoyed. As a result, I have spent the last 14 years in various supply chain management roles. Five years ago, I started working in public procurement when I joined the Purchasing Department with the City of Greater Sudbury. I have a Diploma in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management as well as the Certified Supply Chain Leader (CSCL) Designation.
What I most enjoy about working in the Purchasing Department is the opportunity for mentorship and ability to educate stakeholders on best practices and compliance.
The close proximity and easy access to nature is a highlight of living in Greater Sudbury.
Jennifer Lamarche, Purchasing Coordinator
I graduated from Laurentian University with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree. Since 2016, I have worked at the City of Greater Sudbury in various roles until joining the Purchasing Section in 2022. I started in the Junior Purchasing Coordinator role (March) then became a Purchasing Coordinator in August of 2022.
I am the Growth and Infrastructure Business Partner and currently working towards OPBA Certification. I enjoy this exciting and meaningful career, every day I learn something new!
Greater Sudbury is a beautiful city to raise a family, full of lakes and forestry with numerous hiking trails.
Monique Van Alphen, Purchasing Coordinator
I have had a very rich career including time at Cambrian College in the purchasing department where I completed the Ontario Public Buyer Association (OPBA) Principles Certificate Program in 2012. I also obtained my Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certificate in May 2014. For seven years I was a Senior Buyer with Le Centre d’excellence en approvisionnement FRANCOachat (share procurement services for Ontario’s 12 French school boards) until I retired in December of 2021. In 2023 I accepted a six-month Purchasing Coordinator contract with the City of Greater Sudbury (CGS) and enjoyed it enough to accept a full-time position in 2024.
I appreciate the remote work flexibility that allows me to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This arrangement allows me to manage my time effectively and reduce commuting, enabling me to focus on projects and strategic initiatives.
Coming out of retirement to work for CGS, I bring a unique perspective to my role. I enjoy sharing my 15 years of experience with colleagues, providing insights that help improve processes. I am fortunate to work alongside great colleagues, where we can share ideas, tackle challenges, and leverage each other’s strengths to achieve common goals.
I am committed to conducting open, fair, and transparent procurement processes that ensure the efficient use of public funds, create a level playing field for vendors and promote accountability. Collaborating with various end-user departments helps me better understand their needs, allowing us to find solutions that align with their departmental goals. There are also opportunities to streamline workflows, leading to significant efficiencies and better outcomes. Gathering feedback from end users and vendors is essential for refining our processes.
Greater Sudbury and its surrounding areas offer stunning natural beauty, with lakes and forests that provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping. The region boasts a rich cultural heritage, including Indigenous history and vibrant local festivals.
Living and working two hours southwest of Greater Sudbury in Manitowaning on beautiful Manitoulin Island allows me to maintain close family ties with my children and grandchildren in Greater Sudbury. This sense of community, combined with a slower pace of life, offers peace and serenity—an unparalleled welcoming atmosphere that is hard to find amidst the hustle and bustle of Southern Ontario’s metropolitan areas.
Nathalie Feigen, Jr. Purchasing Coordinator
My career path has been an enriching journey, beginning in the dentistry field as a Dental Hygienist. Working closely with dental professionals, I learned the importance of precision and communication, skills that have served me well in subsequent roles. I realized early on that dentistry wasn’t the right fit for me, which prompted me to return to school to pursue a diploma in business administration.
During my time in school, I began working with the City of Greater Sudbury, starting with 311 and Citizen Services. This role allowed me to interact with the community and develop strong communication skills. This role also exposed me to the inner workings of different departments and how they interconnect to serve the community effectively. As I progressed, I transitioned to accounts payable, allowing me to refine my analytical skills and gain valuable insights into financial processes and vendor relationships. I enjoyed managing invoices, ensuring accuracy and collaborating with various departments, which deepened my understanding of how different functions within an organization work together.
This experience ultimately led me to my current position in procurement. Each step of this journey has been instrumental in shaping my career and enhancing my professional skills. I started my position as a Junior Purchasing Coordinator as a training opportunity, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything I’ve learned so far. This role provides me with hands-on experience in procurement processes, supplier management and strategic sourcing. Each day presents new challenges and learning opportunities that contribute to my growth. I’m currently pursuing my OPBA Principles Certificate and aiming for my CPPB Certification. I look forward to continuing to expand my skills and knowledge in this position, and I’m excited about the future as I develop my career in procurement.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role in procurement at CGS is the opportunity to foster strategic relationships with internal stakeholders. Building these connections not only enhances collaboration but also drives innovation and efficiency within our supply chain.
I also appreciate the dynamic nature of procurement, where no two days are the same. Each project brings its own set of challenges and opportunities, allowing me to engage in problem-solving and critical thinking. Personally, I find we are always learning something new in procurement, which is important as it expands my skills and propels my professional journey forward. Ultimately, the blend of strategic thinking, relationship-building, and the chance to make a tangible difference in our operations makes my role in procurement both enjoyable and meaningful.
Living in Greater Sudbury has many appealing aspects. One of the standout features for me is the stunning landscape, including my personal favorite, Lake Laurentian Conversation Area. Whether it’s hiking in the warmer months or snowshoeing in winter, the outdoor recreational opportunities are endless, making it easy to stay active and connected to nature.
Overall, it’s the combination of stunning scenery, a strong sense of community, and the perfect blend of urban and rural life that makes Greater Sudbury and its surrounding area such a wonderful place to call home. As someone who prefers rural life, it’s a place where I can enjoy city life, from shops, restaurant and local community events, but also retreat to the peace of nature whenever I need.
Karen Thistle, Purchasing Clerk
I joined the Purchasing Department five years ago and enjoy my role as the Purchasing Clerk. Although I come from outside the supply-chain management world, I do bring years of experience in administrative work.
The aspect I most enjoy about my role is the opportunity to learn new things and expand my responsibilities. Activities like participating in the annual Purchase Order Closing cleanup and offering administrative support for the City’s purchase card program bring job satisfaction.
Having been born and raised in Greater Sudbury, I appreciate that we have access to all the city amenities, like a world class science centre and busy arts scene while being less than an hour’s drive from three provincial parks for year-round camping.