New General Manager of Community Development Brings Diverse Public Sector Experience to City Team

Following a recruitment search that attracted candidates from across the country, Steve Jacques has been hired as the City’s new General Manager of Community Development, effective September 9, 2019.

The General Manager of Community Development is responsible for a large portfolio of important community health-related services which include Long-Term Care, Housing, Transit, Social, Leisure, Citizen and Children Services.

“Although his career experience gives him the innovation, leadership and knowledge to lead this department, Steve's strategic perspective and community focus are impressive,” said City of Greater Sudbury Chief Administrative Officer Ed Archer. “His work on a variety of boards demonstrates his passion for the betterment of the community, an important personal value for this role. He has an exciting vision for the future of community development, and for our community. I am confident that he will lead with strength of character, social consciousness, strong business acumen and inspiring leadership.”

Currently the Director of Regional Planning and Growth Management and Chief Planner for the Region of Peel, Steve is a Registered Professional Planner in Ontario and a member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and the Canadian Institute of Planners. He has a Master’s of Science in Planning from the University of Toronto and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from our very own Laurentian University.

Steve has diverse, senior public sector experience which will benefit the Community Development portfolio, holding positions as director of Ontario Works with the City of Hamilton and director of Revitalization for the Toronto Community Housing Corporation. He has also held the position of Ontario Manager of Community Development with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

He has served on a variety of boards, such as the Incubate Institute for Community Impact, the Canadian Youth Golf Alliance, the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and the Student Scholarship Trust Fund for the Canadian Institute of Planners, where he served as president and CEO.

Steve has also been an adjunct professor at Laurentian University and a regular guest lecturer on housing and sustainability at Queen’s, Western and Guelph Universities. Steve was recognized by the Glasgow Caledonian University in Glasgow, Scotland, for his work with their real estate and housing program.

“I am very excited to return to my home town to continue my career in public service as the leader of this very important service area,”said Mr. Jacques. “City Council has identified the health and well being of the community and individuals as a top priority. I look forward to working with Council, staff, stakeholders and residents to continue to shape a healthy,active future for our city.”

Ian Wood, who has been serving as Interim General Manager of Community Development for the last ten months, will continue to serve as part of the CAO's Office in a role that will give him lead responsibility for several significant files, including continued work on the Large Projects. Meredith Armstrong will continue as Interim Director of Economic Development.

"I want to thank Ian for his hard work and dedication as Interim General Manager," said Archer. "His leadership skills andcountless years of municipal experience will sustain some of the momentum we've been building, and continue to move forward on very important projects for the community."

Councillors Robert Kirwan and Rene Lapierre sat on the hiring committee, along with Mr. Archer and General Manager of Growth and Development Tony Cecutti. The General Manager of Community Development is apart of the City’s Executive Leadership Team.

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