Town of Cobourg Welcomes New Director of Planning and Development Services

Pete Fisher
5 months ago
• Categories: Editor Choice, Local

The Town of Cobourg is pleased to announce the appointment of Cristal Laanstra to the position of Director, Planning and Development Services effective July 15, 2024.

Ms. Laanstra brings extensive experience in both land use planning and policy. In her previous capacity as Manager of Planning with Trent Hills, and Deputy Director of Planning and Development for the Municipality of North Grenville, she was responsible for leading major Official Plan amendments and comprehensive Zoning By-law amendments.

Throughout her experience in municipal planning departments, she has led multiple Official Plan Review projects, a Heritage Conservation District Study and Plan, and municipal Secondary Plan reviews. As a Policy Coordinator within a Development Services department, she worked closely with engineering, building and economic development, advancing policies that required a solid understanding of each program area.

As the Town of Cobourg prepares to update its Official Plan and address Bill23 Heritage Matters, we are thrilled to have Ms. Laanstra’s knowledge and expertise in policy,” says Tracey Vaughan, Chief Administrative Officer.

Ms. Laanstra holds a Master of Science degree in Planning and an Executive Diploma in Municipal Management and is a member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and the Canadian Institute of Planners.

“On behalf of all of Council, I would like to give a warm welcome to Ms. Laanstra,” says Mayor Cleveland.

“Cobourg is the largest and fastest growing urban centre in Northumberland County and the next largest urban centre heading east of the GTA on the 401 corridor. With considerable growth and change on our horizon, Ms. Laanstra’s expertise will play a critical role in guiding the direction of our Planning and Development division.

Ms. Laanstra will oversee the Planning, Building and Economic Development departments at the Town of Cobourg. Her start date is July 15, 2024.

Communications Manager with the Town of Cobourg Kara Euale said at the present time Cobourg is currently operating with a staff of two in the Planning and Development Services Department.

“The Director will be supported by a Development Planner II as well as the Manager of the Office of the CAO and the Director of Legislative Services until such time as a full staff composition is onboarded.”

The usual full composition of staff for the Planning Department would consist of seven staff lead by a Director of Planning and Development, the recommendations indicated the department should include a Manager of Long-Range Planning, Manager of Development Planning, Principal Planner, and three planners.

“Council has authorized staff to hire consultants to support staff process planning applications and ensure the Town is meeting legislated deadlines. All applications reviewed by consultants receive final review and approval from the Manager of Planning or the Director of Planning and Development.

Euale said planning is an incredibly competitive field in Municipal Government with several other local municipalities also hiring planners currently.

“With improved policies around compensation and benefits packages being provided by neighbouring municipalities, employee recruitment and retention is becoming increasingly competitive. Through improved employee appreciation, flexible working environment and the recent compensation review approved by Council at the June 26 Regular Council Meeting, the Town of Cobourg is doing what it can to attract and retain talented and experienced personnel.”