Another change is coming for the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Waterway staff was informed Tuesday that Dawn Bronson, the superintendent of the Central Ontario field unit which is responsible for the waterway, was deemed "surplus" and will not continue in the position.

Dave Hewitt, president of Union of Canadian Transportation Employees Local 0056, told The Examiner that the union is concerned about the decision.

Parks Canada confirmed Bronson’s dismissal but would not comment further.

Hewitt said Bronson’s last day is expected to be Sept. 28.

Union members are unhappy with the timing because no decision has been made about the future of the waterway, Hewitt said.

A new superintendent may not be familiar with the waterway and could arrive “carrying a big axe,” Hewitt said. He added that 20% of the workforce at the waterway has been eliminated since March.

Twelve Trent-Severn Waterway employees in Peterborough were laid off in July as part of an ongoing effort to reduce the $3.5 million from the waterway’s budget.

The cuts being considered include reducing the boating season and hours along the waterway, but no final decision has been made.

“This is a time for leadership and not a time to shuffle the decks,” Hewitt said. “We’re very concerned.”