The City of Vancouver has appointed Josh White as its new general manager of planning, urban design and sustainability (PDS).
White brings a range of public and private sector experience to his new role in Vancouver. In his most recent role as director, city and regional planning and co-chief planner at the City of Calgary, he stewarded the adoption of a new housing strategy in collaboration with partners and led the creation of a simpler and more effective planning policy and regulation.
“Josh has a wealth of experience leading innovative change in the urban planning realm across Canada, and a strong record of responding to the many challenges facing growing cities today. I’m thrilled to have him on board to lead PDS as we continue to implement council’s agenda as it relates to streamlining land-use permitting, housing delivery, affordability and sustainability in Vancouver,” said Vancouver city manager Paul Mochrie.
White holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Queen’s University and began his career in the private sector, serving a variety of private and public sector clients as a consultant with Urban Strategies in Toronto. His private sector experience also includes leading planning and approvals for Alpine Park, a new community development in Calgary.
“Vancouver is experiencing tremendous growth, and I’m committed to leading the city in managing this growth, as it continues its transformation and standing as one of the world’s most livable, sustainable and inclusive cities. I look forward to leading and collaborating with such a forward-thinking team of staff, stakeholders and partners to tackle the challenges that confront Vancouver, particularly facilitating more housing supply and improving affordability,” said White.
White will start in Vancouver on May 1 in his role as general manager and will lead overall operation, administration and policy related aspects of the department. Doug Smith, who has been acting general manager during the recruitment process, will return to the role of deputy general manager, PDS.
