Haiqing Xu named Deputy City Manager of Planning and Growth Management

MunicipalInfoNet.com
April 15, 2021

Following a successful public recruitment process, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua is pleased to announce that Haiqing Xu is joining the City of Vaughan as Deputy City Manager, Planning and Growth Management, effective May 10. Council ratified the decision on April 13.

Mr. Xu holds a Ph.D. in Town and Regional Planning from Sheffield University. His career spans more than 25 years of thought leadership on transportation, long-range, development and sustainability planning. Mr. Xu has shaped planning efforts in both upper- and lower-tier municipalities throughout the Greater Toronto Area. He recently served as Director, Development Services with the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. Mr. Xu teaches planning at the university level and contributes to research publications on emerging trends and original scholarship in the field. He is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and completed the Queen's University Executive Leadership Program.

As Deputy City Manager, Mr. Xu reports directly to the City Manager and will serve as a member of the corporation's Senior Leadership Team - Executive and Senior Leadership Team. Mr. Xu leads a significant city-building portfolio comprised of several departments, each playing an important role in implementing the strategic priorities in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. Departments include Policy Planning and Environmental Sustainability, Development Planning, Building Standards, Development Engineering, and the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) Program.

As one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, Vaughan continues to be a city of choice. A high standard of living, accessible location, world-class amenities, development opportunities, subway connection, and so much more contribute to the demand that fuels record-breaking construction values in Vaughan year after year.

Since 2010, more than $13 billion in building permits have been issued by the City, and despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, city-building did not slow down in 2020. Vaughan issued $1.153 billion in building construction value in the last year alone - a significant investment into the community.

Of the 2020 total, more than $742 million accounts for the construction value of residential developments in the city. Commercial projects make up more than $78 million, more than $236 million is from industrial developments, institutional projects add up to more than $60 million, and the outstanding $34 million results from other developments throughout the city.

Building on this momentum, Vaughan's vision for the future is becoming a reality, and the Planning and Growth Management team, now led by Mr. Xu, will help Vaughan continue reaching new heights.

QUOTES

"I am proud to welcome Haiqing Xu to the City of Vaughan as the new Deputy City Manager, Planning and Growth Management. Mr. Xu joins a dedicated team that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Service Excellence every day in every way. Working together with accomplished public servants like Mr. Xu, we will press ahead with building a world-class city that encompasses long-lasting urban design and public spaces that foster community well-being for generations to come. A high standard of living, accessible location, exceptional amenities, welcoming parks and green spaces for all to enjoy, a proven commitment to environmental sustainability, development opportunities, a subway connection, the new Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, and so much more are what make Vaughan the place to be. These city-building initiatives result from a laser-focused approach to provide an exceptional standard of living and quality of life, where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential, actively participate in civic life and obtain equal access to opportunities."

- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

"On behalf of the corporation, I welcome Haiqing Xu to the City of Vaughan as a valued member of our team. Mr. Xu will have the full support of the entire Senior Leadership Team - Executive. Working together, we will ensure the mandate of the Planning and Growth Management Portfolio delivers on Council-approved directives and advances the corporation's commitment to Service Excellence. I would like to further recognize Council and members of the administration who were involved in the development and recruitment for this role."

- Jim Harnum, City Manager

"The City of Vaughan is one of Canada's fastest-growing municipalities. I look forward to working closely with the team in Planning and Growth Management and all staff to ensure Vaughan continues to plan for a future where neighbourhoods are welcoming and thriving - accessible by public transit and home to quality public amenities residents of all ages enjoy. I welcome the opportunity to advance Council-approved initiatives, including the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan."

- Haiqing Xu, incoming Deputy City Manager, Planning and Growth Management