Breaking: Jennifer Keesmaat Leaving Toronto's Top Planning Role

One of the highest-profile planning positions on the continent, and perhaps in the world, will soon be changing hands.

1 minute read

August 28, 2017, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Toronto's chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat is leaving her role effectively September 29 'to pursue other interests,'" according to an article by CBC News.

Keesmaat has held the job of chief planner and executive director of the city planning division for the last five years, previously working as a consultant and principal at a design firm.

Keesmat and Toronto Mayor John Tory took to Twitter to announce the change at the top of Toronto's planning division.

Keemaat has been a face for progressive planning throughout her tenure running Toronto's City Planning division. For more background on Keesmat's accomplishments and contributions to planning, see past Planetizen coverage

Monday, August 28, 2017 in CBC News

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