A Longtime Voice Behind Lumsden’s Community Programs Retires

Photo courtesy of Facebook

By Dan Bernier

March 5, 2026

Chris Exner Steps Away After Three Decades of Service

LUMSDEN — After more than three decades helping shape recreation programs, community events, and partnerships in the valley, longtime Town of Lumsden Community Coordinator Chris Exner is retiring from his position.

Exner began working with the Town of Lumsden in the early 1990s, and over the course of roughly three decades in the role, he became one of the most familiar behind-the-scenes figures supporting community life.

For many residents, Exner has been the quiet organizer helping bring local activities to life. As Community Coordinator, he worked closely with town administration, community organizations, and volunteers to develop recreation programs, coordinate events, and support initiatives designed to enhance life in Lumsden.

The role placed him at the center of many projects that residents often take for granted. His work included coordinating recreation activities, assisting with facility use, and supporting partnerships connected to local amenities such as parks, trails, and outdoor recreation spaces throughout the valley.

Exner has also served as a point of contact for projects involving regional recreation opportunities, including initiatives connected to the Trans Canada Trail section that runs through the Lumsden area, helping both residents and visitors access the region’s natural landscape.

Beyond recreation programs, Exner has been involved in community events and partnerships that bring people together. Local celebrations and festivals, including events like the Lumsden Scarecrow Festival, and the Duck Derby are among the activities that have benefited from coordination between the town and volunteers working to create opportunities for residents to gather and celebrate community life.

His work has also supported improvements to public spaces. In recent years, Exner helped coordinate municipal support for park development and upgrades to community areas, contributing to efforts aimed at improving accessibility and creating welcoming green spaces for residents.

While municipal work often happens quietly behind the scenes, the impact of that work can be seen in everyday life throughout the community. From recreation programs and festivals to outdoor spaces and partnerships with local groups, many of the experiences residents enjoy today were supported by Exner’s efforts over the years.

After roughly three decades of service to the Town of Lumsden, his retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in the town’s community development.

For residents who have attended local events, explored the valley’s trails, or taken part in recreation programs over the past thirty years, there is a good chance Chris Exner played a role in helping make those experiences possible.

And while the title may read Community Coordinator, in a small town like Lumsden the job has always meant something a little more than that — helping keep a community active, connected, and engaged.

One thing worth saying, even if small towns sometimes forget to say it out loud: people who quietly run programs for thirty years are basically the gears inside the clock. Nobody notices them while things are running smoothly. The moment they’re gone, everyone suddenly realizes how much they were doing.