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

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

November 11, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A road in north eastern Nebraska with power lines on either side, and grassy fields.

Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity

Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.

November 6, 2026 - Grist

People walking and cycling on a street in Boston.

Study reveals best places in the U.S. for cycling, walking

New research from Streetlight Data examines bicycle and pedestrian miles per capita in the 100 largest U.S. cities by population.

November 8, 2026 - Smart Cities Dive

Two workers in high-vis jackets look at a melted portion of the I-95

Why does it take an emergency for the U.S. to expedite infrastructure projects?

In June 2023, Philadelphia repaired a melted interstate in 12 days thanks to an emergency order.

November 14 - Vox

Mark, an older white man in a blue jacket, smiles in front of a plaque that commemorates his scholarship.

Federal government nominates new FTA administrator

Mark Aesch is currently the founder and CEO of a transportation management consulting firm.

November 13 - Mass Transit

A rendering of people walking through a park to the chicago bears stadium, which is large and dome shaped.

Developers reveal $10 billion stadium plan as ‘Hail Mary’ to keep Bears in Chicago

The plan would also boast a public park, high- and mid-rise buildings and a youth sports complex.

November 13 - Chicago Sun Times

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.