Under Strong Mayor Powers, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland has hired a Director of Development that has no education in development planning.
Manager of Communications, Kara Euale said Chris Challenger was hired by the Town of Cobourg in 2024 to be Manager of the Office of CAO Tracey Vaughen.
“In this role, he has worked closely with the Director of Planning and Development, contributing to strategic initiatives that support the Town’s growth and long-term vision. Chris brings a diverse background in municipal management, economic development, and infrastructure delivery. Prior to his time in Cobourg, he served as Economic Development Officer for the Township of North Kawartha and as Partnership Account Manager and Senior Advisor at Metrolinx, where he oversaw the buildout of several major capital projects.
But when asked, Euale confirmed that Challenger has no education in development planning.
Under Strong Mayor powers it was Cleveland’s decision to amend the Organizational Structure to create a Development Division, hire a Director of Development, and reorganize the Planning and Development Division.
The release states:
“I, Mayor Lucas Cleveland, have decided as follows:
1. The Town’s organization structure is amended by:
(a) renaming the Planning and Development Division as the “Development Division” which will be headed by a newly-created position of Director of Development, and
(b) removing the Planning and Development Division from the Town’s organizational structure.
2. The newly formed Development Division will consist of the following departments:
(a) Planning Department,
(b) Development Engineering Services Department,
(c) Building Department;
(d) Economic Development Department
3. Chris Challenger is hired as the Director of Development effective August 15, 2025 with an extended probation period of six (6) months to one (1) year.
4. The position of Director of Development will be placed in Grade 12 and Step 1 of the non-union pay-grid with the other directors within the Town.
5. A Deputy Director of Development position will be created to report to the Director of Development and this position will be placed in Grade 11 of the non-union grid and placement on the grid for the new position will be based on experience and qualifications and the cost of the new position to be covered under the Staff contingency reserve account.
6. The Deputy Director posting and recruitment shall commence within one (1) week of this Mayoral Decision.
7. Human Resources shall complete the required information to implement the decision and prepare all final documents, job descriptions as necessary for the two (2) new positions and reorganization being established, to be reviewed within three (3) months and presented to the Mayor, in consultation with the Manager of Human Resources and the Chief Administrative Officer, for final approval.
8. The implementation of this Mayoral shall comply with all applicable provincial and federal employment and workplace statutes, standards and laws.
Sincerely,
Original Signed by Mayor Lucas Cleveland
Mayor Lucas Cleveland
Statement from Mayor Lucas Cleveland Regarding Organizational Restructuring and Creation of a Development Division
This morning, I finalized a Mayoral Decision that includes the strategic restructuring of our Planning Department. The changes being implemented address an immediate gap in our staffing complement and reflect the Town’s commitment to expeditious and mindful development to meet the needs of our growing community.
During recent tours of our local manufacturing facilities, and speaking with our business owners, they have stressed to me that they require housing for their workforce. While going door-to-door, seniors have expressed concern regarding insufficient housing options or apartments for them to downsize within our community. The changes I have implemented today further Cobourg’s investment in development to meet the Province of Ontario’s goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2031.
Over the last two and a half years, I have observed the interconnectedness of this organization. How departments and individual staff come together to solve problems and develop creative solutions.
Leveraging these strengths, the decisions issued today will make for a stronger, more focused approach to development. They will foster collaboration and stronger working relationships with our partners and will enable staff to meet the strategic objectives set by this Council to increase our housing stock.
A focus on development means identifying opportunities for improvement and actively working on strategies to meet our goals. I continue to be amazed with the talent that we have acquired at the Town of Cobourg. I am confident that these progressive changes will see our organization continue to grow and deliver the high-quality customer service our community expects and deserves.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
