There is understandable confusion about who Hamilton’s Chief Planner is.
Many people (arguably most) thought former General Manager of Planning and Economic Development Jason Thorne was the Chief Planner.
In fact, since 2012, Hamilton’s Chief Planner has been Steve Robichaud. (You know that saying you couldn’t pick someone out of a police line-up.)
Former Hamilton General Manager of Planning and Economic Development Jason Thorne is a prolific user of social media, highly visible to the public, and is also a Registered Professional Planner.
Thorne’s social media is full of planning and land-use ideas. He regularly comments on planning, and “planning” was in this job title: “General Manager of Planning and Economic Development.”
Planning is one of the divisions the General Manager oversees, and the actual Chief Planner reports to the GM.
The City of Hamilton designates the director of the planning division as the “Chief Planner.”
That’s Steve Robichaud.
Robichaud is Acting GM Following Thorne’s Departure
Jason Thorne resigned in early March, giving the City two weeks’ notice before taking a private sector job.
Four months later, the City of Hamilton has not posted a recruitment notice for the position.
Robichaud is filling in as the Acting General Manager of Planning and Economic Development. Anita Fabac is backfilling the role of chief planner on an acting basis.
Next GM of Planning and Economic Development Likely to Be EcDev Focused
CBC reported this week that Hamilton, Ottawa, and Toronto are searching for new chief planners. Hamilton is not.
When Hamilton begins its search for a new GM, the City may hire someone with a professional land use planning background.
However, it is more likely that City Council will seek someone from an economic development career background.
On-shoring of manufacturing is a critical opportunity for Hamilton. Ensuring the success of the redevelopment of the Stelco lands, the implementation of light rail transit, and the goods movement strategy are most important projects for the next GM.
Production Details v. 1.0.0 Published: July 18, 2024 Last updated: July 18, 2024 Author: Joey Coleman Update Record v. 1.0.0 original version