Office of Deputy City Manager, Planning, Growth Management and Housing Delivery

Haiqing Xu joined the City of Vaughan in 2021 as Deputy City Manager, Planning and Growth Management. He uses his extensive experience in city planning 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.

The Deputy City Manager, Planning, Growth Management and Housing Delivery oversees a number of departments that play an important role in the city’s development process. By incorporating resident input, thorough studies, Council directions and Provincial regulations and legislations, this portfolio strives for sustainable city-building.

This portfolio includes the following City departments:

• Building Standards ensures the safe and lawful use of land and buildings through the administration of the Building Code Act. The department also enforces the Ontario Building Code regulations (including health and safety standards) and the requirements of the City’s Zoning By-law. Building Standards issues building permits and conducts building inspections while overseeing Zoning By-law processes, sign permits and minor variances.
• Development and Parks Planning is responsible for the planning and general design of Vaughan through the land use planning process.
• Policy Planning and Special Programs develops actionable policies and plans based on best practices, fulfilling all relevant legislative requirements, to guide the creation of a strong, healthy, sustainable, resilient and prosperous city. The department also conducts public consultation and collaborates with stakeholders and partners to promote a “sustainability first” approach to achieve shared goals, including action on climate change initiatives.
• Legal Counsel Planning, Growth Management and Housing Delivery provides timely and practical strategic advice to Members of Council and internal departments on matters related to planning, real estate and development.