City Announces New Commissioner of Planning and Building

The City of Mississauga has selected Andrew Whittemore as the new Commissioner of Planning and Building effective April 16, following a national hiring competition. Whittemore has been the City’s Director, City Planning Strategies since 2015 and replaces Ed Sajecki who is retiring.

“It is wonderful to welcome Andrew on to the City’s Leadership Team,” said Janice Baker, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. “Andrew has had a diverse and rich portfolio with the City where he has been involved with very exciting and transformational city-building projects including the successful implementation of an Affordable Housing Strategy. He is a strategist and partnership builder who is passionate about creating a great city. We’re delighted to have him lead the Planning and Building team.”

Mississauga City Council passed a by-law to officially appoint Whittemore at its Council meeting today.

In his role as Commissioner, Whittemore will report to the City Manager and will oversee a department responsible for strategic long-term planning within a legislated planning policy framework. This involves the creation of policies, plans, processing development applications and building permits and undertaking building inspections to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the public.  He will oversee three divisions: Building; Development and Design; and City Planning Strategies.

“Mississauga is a dynamic city that is undergoing a remarkable transformation from suburban to urban city,” said Whittemore. “Leading this continued transformation is an incredible opportunity. I look forward to working with the wonderful staff in Planning and Building and the Mayor and Council in my new capacity to create complete and inclusive communities and a high quality of life for all of the city’s residents.”

Whittemore joined the City in 2012 bringing considerable city building experience. His strength lies with his diversity of professional expertise – regional and community planning, development planning, cultural planning and community development.  During his time with the City of Halifax, he spent years in development planning and played a major role in delivery of its first Regional Planning Strategy.  He has vast experience with both community and waterfront redevelopment and expertise in community engagement. Whittemore views culture as a central tenet to creating a great city and served as the City’s Director of Culture where he led the creation of the first public art master plan. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Acadia University and a Master of Urban and Rural Planning from DalTech (formerly known as the Technical University of Nova Scotia).