The City of Revelstoke has announced the appointment of Dean Strachan, Vernon’s former development planner, as Manager of Development Services.
A statement from City Hall said his position is “an integral segment of the ongoing city hall restructuring that includes the consolidation of the Planning and Building Department with the Engineering and Public Works Department.”
Strachan replaces John Guenther, who left the City earlier this year. He is the fourth planner to be employed by the City since 2001. He is also the second new hire this year. Lyle Huntley was brought onboard last month as director of Corporate Administration and Communications. The City bureaucracy has been restructuring itself for the last several months with, in part, an eye to improving its efficiency.
While in Vernon, Strachan was responsible for a variety of planning functions, where he gained experience managing a variety of development projects, administrative processes and stakeholder relationships, the statement said.
Mr. Strachan is a Professional Planner, registered in BC. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Geography at Simon Fraser University accompanied by a two-year Urban Design Planning Program. His post-graduate studies include Natural Resource Management and Environmental Studies and Forestry at The University of Northern British Columbia.
The statement quoted Mayor David Raven as saying Council looks forward “his pragmatic and efficient approach to the development approvals.”
Mike Thomas, director of Engineering and Development Services, said Strachan will provide “day-to-day direction for all planning- and building-related activities in the city and guidance for the City in planning matters including the Zoning Bylaw, Heritage Strategy and the Official Community Plan.”
“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to join the City of Revelstoke team,” Strachan is quoted as saying in the statement. “I look forward to participating in the continued enhancement, growth and development of such a vibrant, dynamic and exciting community.”
He starts work with City on Thursday, November 28.
