We want to hear from you!
The Planning team is hear to answer your questions and assist you with your planning application. You can Inquire about an application, ask a question or leave comments by submitting the form below or by contacting a member of the Planning Department directly.
Planning Staff
Susanna Reid - Senior Planner
Susanna has been working as a Planner since 2003, and joined the Perth County Planning Department in 2021. Prior to joining the Perth County Planning Department, she worked for several years at the Huron County Planning Department. Susanna is responsible for supporting the Development Planning Team, facilitating the development process, meeting with developers, property owners and community members to provide information about planning policies and requirements. She is motivated by opportunities presented through planning process to improve community well-being. Susanna is a graduate of both the University of Waterloo and the University of Guelph (MSc in Rural Planning) and is a Registered Professional Planner. Click here to email Susanna.
John Bice - Planner
John graduated from the University of Waterloo (UW) in the Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Planning, program. He is currently pursuing a Master of Environmental Studies (MES) in Planning at UW. John is proud to have grown up in Stratford and has local knowledge of Perth County, specifically through his family in West Perth and the Mitchell area. He has experience in Land-Use planning that he obtained while working at the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, Niagara Region, City of Hamilton, Town of Newmarket, and Ministry of Transportation. John is passionate about environmental systems, the creation of capital, agriculture, and Land-Use planning. He enjoys backcountry camping, fishing, and golfing in his past time. Click here to email John.
Pooneh Derakhshan - Planner
She joins Perth County with 5 years of professional experience in planning and project management related to the development of land. She has been practicing as a consulting Planner in Southwestern Ontario with projects including every type of planning application. Through an internship with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Pooneh developed an awareness of rural areas and the specific interests and issues that are unique to land use planning from a rural perspective. Pooneh has a strong understanding of the policy, legislation and public interest aspects of development applications and works very hard to communicate material in an accessible way. With a Bachelors in Planning from Ryerson and a Masters in Rural Planning and Development from the University of Guelph, Pooneh offers a variety of skills in process development, GIS, conflict resolution and drafting/design software applications. Click here to email Pooneh.
Jerrica Gilbert - Planner
Jerrica joined Perth County in 2022 after spending two years as a Rural Planner with a Planning Board in Northern Ontario. They have a strong interest in local food systems and agriculture, having grown up on a beef cattle operation in Middlesex County. Jerrica has a variety of experience reviewing development applications and works diligently to modernize operational processes and administrative tasks to make the land use planning process more accessible for everyone. They enjoy engaging with the public on planning issues and considering ways that we can make our communities more just, sustainable and healthy places to live. Jerrica has a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University and is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP). Click here to email Jerrica.
Melissa Gasic - Planner
Melissa has a strong natural tendency toward looking for solutions which is an asset in managing challenging property inquiries and development applications. Her experience in development review covers a variety of planning application types and circumstances. She has been a Municipal Planner for the past 7 years and previous to that her background in architecture provides a solid foundation for knowledge in building permit and site planning processes. Her Bachelor’s Degree is in Architecture, followed up with a Masters in Planning from Ryerson University. Click here to email Melissa.
Stephanie Van - Planner, Official Plan Review
Stephanie is a graduate from the University of Waterloo’s School of Planning and within the past few years she has worked in a variety of policy roles in different levels of government. She is passionate about collaboration, organization, and inclusivity and has a strong interest in Indigenous relations and reconciliation. Stephanie has obtained a certificate in Indigenous Canada from the University of Alberta and a certificate in the Fundamentals of Indigenous Peoples and Canadian Law from Osgoode Law School. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, hiking, biking, and baking new recipes. Click here to email Stephanie.
Sally McMullen - Manager of Planning
She joined the Planning Division in 2019 and enjoys providing guidance and development support for the community to grow and enjoy great spaces. She is a graduate of the University of Guelph with an undergraduate degree in Agriculture Science and a Master’s Degree in Rural Planning. In her role she strives to help citizens understanding planning and planning processes. She was raised in Southern Ontario and moved to Perth County to establish a farm operation with her husband and business partners through a non-family farm succession plan. She is proud to be living and raising a family in Perth County with all its rich agricultural landscape and friendly towns and villages. Click here to email Sally.
Michelle is the Land Division and Planning Clerk.
Michelle brings a stellar track record for coordination, efficiency and achievement. Michelle has experience updating procedures, providing committee and administrative support and with project management. She is a Fanshawe graduate with additional course credits at Conestoga and has shown her dedication to this community through a considerable amount of volunteer pursuits. Click here to email Michelle.
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