A graduate of Laurentian University who is currently the director of planning in Peel Region has been hired by Greater Sudbury to fill a key general manager position.
Steve Jacques is the new GM of community development, a portfolio that includes long-term care, housing, transit, social, leisure, citizen and children services. Jacques replaces Catherine Matheson, who left in December to become commissioner of corporate services, also in the Region of Peel. He starts work Sept 9.
“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 CAO Ed Archer is quoted as saying in a news release Wednesday. “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."
While Matheson had overall responsibility for the big projects – the Kingsway Entertainment District, the Junction and the Place des Arts – that job will remain with Ian Wood, who replaced Matheson on an interim basis.
Jacques 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 Laurentian University.
“City council has identified the health and well-being of the community and individuals as a top priority," Jacques is quoted in a news release. "I look forward to working with council, staff, stakeholders and residents to continue to shape a healthy, active future for our city.”
Jacques 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 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,” the release said. “He has also held the position of Ontario Manager of Community Development with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.”
Jacques 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. He was recognized by the Glasgow Caledonian University in Glasgow, Scotland, for his work with their real estate and housing program.
Wood will continue working as part the CAO's office with lead responsibility for the large projects, while Meredith Armstrong will continue as interim director of economic development.
City councillors Robert Kirwan and Rene Lapierre sat on the hiring committee, along with Archer and Tony Cecutti, GM of growth and development.
