City welcomes new General Manager, Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability

The City of Vancouver has appointed Josh White (he/him) to the role of General Manager, Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability (PDS) following an extensive recruitment process.

“Josh has a wealth of experience leading innovative change in the urban planning realm across Canada, and a strong record of responding to the many challenges facing growing cities today,” said City Manager Paul Mochrie. “I’m thrilled to have him on board to lead PDS as we continue to implement Council’s agenda as it relates to streamlining land-use permitting, housing delivery, affordability and sustainability in Vancouver.”

White brings a range of public and private sector experience to his new role in Vancouver. In his most recent role as Director, City and Regional Planning and Co-Chief Planner at the City of Calgary, he stewarded the adoption of a new housing strategy in collaboration with partners and led the creation of a simpler and more effective planning policy and regulation. During a period of extraordinary population growth for the city, White also oversaw strategic growth, growth funding and financing, and infrastructure planning for the municipality. 

In White’s tenure at the City of Calgary, he also initiated and led the significant transformation of the development approvals system, which resulted in improved planning outcomes, benchmarked as among the most efficient in Canada.

From 2010 to 2015, White served as Senior Policy Advisor to former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi.

“Vancouver is experiencing tremendous growth, and I’m committed to leading the City in managing this growth, as it continues its transformation and standing as one of the world's most livable, sustainable and inclusive cities,” said White. “I look forward to leading and collaborating with such a forward-thinking team of staff, stakeholders and partners to tackle the challenges that confront Vancouver, particularly facilitating more housing supply and improving affordability."

White holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Queen's University, and began his career in the private sector, serving a variety of private and public sector clients as a consultant with Urban Strategies in Toronto. White’s private sector experience also includes leading planning and approvals for Alpine Park, a progressive new community development in Calgary.

White will start at the City on May 1, 2024. In his role as General Manager, White will lead on the overall operation, administration and policy related aspects of the department. Doug Smith (he/him), who has been Acting General Manager during the recruitment process, will return to the role of Deputy General Manager, PDS.

Matt Shillito (he/him) will continue to serve as Acting Director of Planning, with regulatory and discretionary responsibilities delegated by Council, including overseeing rezoning enquiries and applications and development permits.