With the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s current director of community and development services set to depart from her job in one week, the town is bringing in a temporary replacement as it looks to fill her spot.
John Henricks will serve as the interim director of planning, building and development services, starting Wednesday, Nov. 19.
The town says it started the recruitment process to fill McCauley’s role permanently and that in the meantime, Henricks will provide “leadership and expert support” to town staff and ensure ongoing development projects continue.
Henricks served in McCauley’s role for the Town of NOTL from 2012 to 2016. In that role, he oversaw planning, building and bylaw enforcement functions and provided planning advice to council.
“We are pleased to have (Henricks) return to the town in the interim, bringing extensive experience and a strong understanding of our community to support staff and maintain momentum during this period of transition,” said Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa in a Nov. 18 media release.
Henricks has 44 years of experience as a registered professional planner. He was the previous owner and president of NPG Planning Solutions Inc., where he “diverse planning assignments involving infill, brownfield, greenfield, rural, and tourism-related projects,” the release stated.
“He also provided expert testimony on land-use and urban design matters, reinforcing the extent of his expertise.”
He holds a bachelor of environmental studies from the University of Waterloo and is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Throughout his career, he has served on numerous planning-related committees and contributed to a wide range of municipal and private-sector initiatives.
“It is a special honour to serve the community in this way,” said Henricks in the media release. “While I was enjoying my recent retirement, I look forward to supporting the town during this transition period and working alongside the talented staff in the planning and building department.”
“Niagara-on-the-Lake is a highly engaged community, and I am committed to helping ensure the team continues to be supported as we navigate this important work together.”
McCauley’s last day on the job will be Wednesday, Nov. 26.
