The Town of Grimsby Hires New Director of Planning and Development

The Town of Grimsby is excited to announce that Kirsten McCauley will be joining the Grimsby team as our new Director of Planning and Development, effective December 1, 2025. Kirsten comes to the role with a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to thoughtful, sustainable growth in our community. 

Kirsten brings more than 20 years of experience in the planning field, having worked for various levels of government including the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Region of Niagara, City of Hamilton, and Township of West Lincoln. She is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners. Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo.

Throughout her career, Kirsten has gained progressively responsible experience – successfully managing and completing a wide range of complex planning projects and development applications in her various roles. Her strengths lie in project management and coordination, having led multi-disciplinary teams of staff and consultants on various policy and development initiatives. She possesses a thorough understanding of provincial and local planning policy and legislation.

Kirsten demonstrates leadership in strategic policy development and long-range planning, with a portfolio that includes major projects such as the Niagara Official Plan, policy work on Growth Management, Housing, Employment Lands, Urban Design, many Secondary Plans, Character Studies, heritage work, and significant public consultation initiatives.

The Planning Department is responsible for managing the Town’s land use planning and development review processes, including long-range policy planning, zoning, heritage conservation, and urban design. The department plays a key role in ensuring that growth in Grimsby reflects the community’s values and priorities.

Kirsten’s appointment marks an exciting next step for the Town as it prepares to advance major planning initiatives and launch a new Official Plan – setting the stage for Grimsby’s future growth and development.

Please join the Town in extending a warm welcome to Kirsten McCauley as she assumes this important position within our municipality.

Quotes:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Kirsten to the Grimsby team. Her expertise and passion for community planning will help us move forward with projects that support thoughtful growth, sustainability, and the continued enhancement of our town.” Jeff Jordan, Mayor at the Town of Grimsby.

“Planning plays a vital role in shaping the future of our community – guiding growth, preserving what makes Grimsby unique, and ensuring that development aligns with our long-term vision. Kirsten’s wealth of experience and leadership will continue the great work of our Planning team and will be instrumental in the upcoming launch of the Town’s Official Plan.” Sarah Kim, Chief Administrative Officer at the Town of Grimsby. 

Media Contact:

Christina Davidson

Communications Specialist

cdavidson@grimsby.ca | 905-945-9634