Cobourg, ON (July 4, 2024) – 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 Bill 23 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.
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