Jennifer Keesmaat

Surveying

Toronto Mayoral Candidate Suggests Repurposing City Golf Courses

Former chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat wants to transform three failing golf courses into free public spaces.

October 9, 2018 - The Toronto Star

Toronto Planning Director

Jennifer Keesmat, Former Chief Planner of Toronto, Running for Mayor

If Keesmaat wins the election, it would complete one of the highest-profile transitions from planner to politician in recent memory.

August 2, 2018 - Toronto Star

Ontario Street

A Famous Former Planning Director and the 'War on Cars'

Former Toronto Planning Director Jennifer Keesmaat is responding to rising pedestrian and bike fatalities in the "Vision Zero" city with a series of calls for action.

June 19, 2018 - The Toronto Star

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.

August 28, 2017 - CBC News

Kids Crossing the Street

How Toronto's Chief Planner Prepared Her Children to Walk Alone to School

Toronto Chef Planner Jennifer Keesmaat describes how she prepared her children for an old-fashioned commute to and from school.

September 7, 2016 - The Toronto Star

An Ambitious Plan to Rethink Toronto's King Street

Here's a project to watch: an influential group of contractors has been hired for a complete streets makeover for King Street in Toronto.

January 26, 2016 - Toronto Star

Toronto

Toronto City Council Decides to Rebuild Gardiner East Expressway

Coulda, woulda, shoulda. The Toronto City Council sided with Mayor John Tory this week to rebuild an elevated freeway in downtown rather than tearing it down.

June 12, 2015 - Toronto Star

Toronto Chief Planner Supports Gardiner Expressway Removal

Chief Planner Jennifer Keesmaat has broken rank from Mayor John Tory on the issue of whether to replace or remove an elevated highway along the city's waterfront. The cost to replace the expressway, $919 million, is more than removing it.

May 25, 2015 - The Globe and Mail

Kids Crossing the Street

How to Promote a Kid-Friendly, Walkable City

Jennifer Keesmaat, chief planner and executive director for the city of Toronto, shares tips for how to create safe, fun environments for children.

January 7, 2015 - Active for Life

Toronto from the CN Tower

Toronto Asks: How Dense Is Too Dense?

A decade of high-rise condo construction has transformed Toronto's skyline. But it appears the sky's not the limit when it comes to more skyscrapers. A proposal to build three 80-story towers designed by Frank Gehry has sparked a debate over density.

October 14, 2013 - The Toronto Star

Toronto's Outspoken Chief Planner Ruffles Feathers in Quest for Change

Jennifer Keesmaat is "on her way to becoming modern Toronto’s first celebrity bureaucrat," says Marcus Gee, who profiles the city's new chief planner. Can she succeed in her quest for change without offending those whose support she'll need?

March 6, 2013 - Globe and Mail

Can Toronto's New Planning Head Succeed Where Others Have Failed?

This week it was announced that, after a lengthy search, Toronto had found a candidate willing to take on the challenge of guiding the city's planning efforts amid a hostile climate created by "car-loving" mayor Rob Ford.

August 1, 2012 - The Globe and Mail

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