Haiqing Xu named Deputy City Manager of Planning and Growth Management
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Accomplished local
government leader joins Vaughan
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
QUICK
FACTS
- City Building is one of nine Strategic Priorities in the City's 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. The goal is “to build a world-class city, the City will continue its planning and development in support of key city-wide developments and initiatives that encompass good urban design and public spaces that foster community well-being.”
- City Building objectives include:
- Develop the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct
- Develop the VMC
- Elevate the quality of life through city planning
LEARN
MORE
- Feb. 8, 2021 news release: Delivering more than $13 billion in building construction value since 2010
- Vaughan Metropolitan Centre website
- 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan webpage
- Planning and Growth Management Portfolio webpage
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