One of the highest-profile planning positions on the continent, and perhaps in the world, will soon be changing hands.
"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.
Words cannot express how much I will miss this team of exceptional professionals. #PlannersWhoLead #CitiesForAll https://t.co/ZRuDOvsfrL
— jennifer keesmaat (@jen_keesmaat) August 28, 2017
I want to personally thank @jen_keesmaat for her tremendous passion, leadership and innovation. https://t.co/LbuBZB9uQ8
— John Tory (@JohnTory) August 28, 2017
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.
Read the full story: Jennifer Keesmaat stepping down from Toronto's chief planner role
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