Oxford County CAO Ben Addley today announced the appointment of Paul Michiels as Director of Community Planning, effective July 1, 2024.  

Michiels has 30 years of progressive community planning experience, most of which has been with Oxford’s Community Planning Office. He began his career with Oxford as a Development Planner, during which time he provided planning advice and direction and development review services for many of the area municipalities in the County. He later moved into a Senior Policy Planner role and in 2010 accepted the role of Manager of Planning Policy, where he led the County’s planning policy team and oversaw various County-wide planning initiatives, including Official Plan reviews, growth studies, and source protection planning, while also guiding the County and area municipalities through numerous provincial legislative and policy changes.

In assuming the leadership of Oxford’s Community Planning Office, Michiels will lead a highly respected team of 20 professional planners and technical and administrative support staff. The Community Planning Office provides a full range of land use planning services for the County and all eight area municipalities, including the review of all Planning Act/development applications; Official Plan and zoning by-law development and updates; undertaking planning related special projects and studies; and maintaining various land use related data, mapping and other resources. Oxford is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Ontario, annually processing roughly 500 development applications and undertaking numerous planning related studies and other initiatives.

Comment

Ben Addley, Chief Administrative Officer, Oxford County

“Over the past few years, a number of significant legislative changes, combined with Oxford having one of the fastest growth rates in Ontario, has heightened the focus on how we grow our communities. Paul has been a key part of our provincial advocacy, how we work with our neighbouring municipalities to do this, and how County Council is briefed to make fundamental decisions about growth. Having worked closely with Paul over the last couple years, I know his passion for excellence in community planning and his extensive knowledge of the County’s varied communities and interests will serve the residents of Oxford well as we continue to plan together for our future.”

Paul Michiels, Director, Community Planning, Oxford County

“As I step into the role of Director, my priority is to continue to provide strong direction and leadership for the County’s planning team and strengthen relationships with our area municipalities and other community stakeholders so that we can continue to work together to ensure Oxford and its communities remain vibrant and sustainable. With the many recent provincial changes and significant growth the County is experiencing, there is much that will need to be done to achieve that vision and I look forward to the challenge.”

About Oxford County

Located in southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 135,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” A partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is committed to 100% renewable energy, zero waste, zero poverty, and being 100% housed. Oxford County is situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, with a diversified local economy that is home to an innovative agricultural industry, leading automotive manufacturers, and the Oxford County Cheese Trail. Oxford also offers a thriving local arts and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The County’s Strategic Plan puts forward a vision of “Working together for a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future.” The Oxford County Administration Building is in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca, follow us on social media, or download our Facts and Stats to learn more.