Oxford Hires New Director of Community Planning

Tuesday, 25 June 2024 05:52

Paul Michiels will start his new job as Oxford County's Director of Community Planning on July 1st.

OXFORD COUNTY - We now know who will serve as the next Director of Community Planning for Oxford County.

Paul Michiels will step into the position on July 1st, once Gord Hough steps down at the end of the month. Hough dedicated close to 24 years to the county and now he's ready to retire.

Michiels is no stranger to Oxford. He has actually been part of our community planning team for the majority of his 30-year career. He started as a Development Planner before he was promoted to Senior Policy Planner, and eventually became the Manager of Planning Policy in 2010.

"As I step into the role of Director, my priority is to continue to provide strong direction and leadership for the County's planning team and strengthen relationships with our area municipalities and other community stakeholders so that we can continue to work together to ensure Oxford and its communities remain vibrant and sustainable. With the many recent provincial changes and significant growth the County is experiencing, there is much that will need to be done to achieve that vision and I look forward to the challenge.”

As the new Director of Community Planning, Michiels will work alongside 20 professional planners as well as technical and administrative support staff to provide land use planning services for the whole County.

He will lead the review of all Planning Act/development applications and updates to the Official Plan and zoning by-law development. He will also undertake planning related special projects and studies, and maintain various land use related data, mapping, and other resources.

Oxford County CAO Ben Addley says Michiels is the right man for the job.

"Over the past few years, a number of significant legislative changes, combined with Oxford having one of the fastest growth rates in Ontario, has heightened the focus on how we grow our communities. Paul has been a key part of our provincial advocacy, how we work with our neighbouring municipalities to do this, and how County Council is briefed to make fundamental decisions about growth. Having worked closely with Paul over the last couple years, I know his passion for excellence in community planning and his extensive knowledge of the County’s varied communities and interests will serve the residents of Oxford well as we continue to plan together for our future."