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.
Jeff Bannon - Planner
Jeff has worked in a variety of municipal roles, most recently as a Planner with the City of Stratford. Jeff was born and raised in Stratford and has developed connections in many of the surrounding communities. He has a strong background in development planning and is interested in making new connections in rural communities. Jeff is a graduate of Brock University and is a Registered Professional Planner with over 20 years of Planning experience.
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.
Pooneh Derakhshan - Planner
Pooneh brings professional experience in planning and project management related to land development to Perth County. As a consulting Planner in Southwestern Ontario, she has managed various planning applications, gaining insights into rural land use through an internship with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. With a Bachelors in Planning from Ryerson and a Masters in Rural Planning and Development from the University of Guelph, Pooneh offers skills in process development, GIS, conflict resolution, and drafting/design software applications. She is a Registered Professional Planner.
Nathan Garland - Planner
Nathan started his career in planning working for a number of Conservation Authorities in Southern and Southwestern Ontario. Most recently he worked for the County of Huron as a planner with a local municipality. Part of the job he finds rewarding is working with landowners and individuals in realizing their projects whether it be through the existing policies and guidelines or through involvement with Councils and staff and to see a community work through a shared vision. The other rewarding part of the job are the friends and connections both local and beyond that have been made. Nathan is a graduate of the University of Manitoba and has also received a Master’s degree from the University of Guelph.
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Michelle - Planning and Land Division 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.
Andrea Hächler - Manager of Planning
Andrea spent a number of years in a variety of planning roles with the County of Oxford and more recently has been working as the Manager of Planning for the City of Stratford. Andrea enjoys working collaboratively with staff, the development community and council to deliver results that benefit the community. Andrea has a Bachelor of Arts from Trent University and a Master’s degree in Rural Planning & Development from the University of Guelph. When she is not at work, she can be found running, mountain biking or skiing.
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