Brian Jackson hired as Vancouver's general manager of planning and development

Jackson will take on the role beginning August 27, replacing former Vancouver planning director Brent Toderian, who was fired earlier this year.

During the last four years, Jackson has been the director of development and more recently the acting general manager of planning and development for the City of Richmond.

"After an international search that attracted 108 applications, Brian Jackson, with his regional, national and international experience in key priority areas for the city was the unanimous choice of the search committee,” city manager Penny Ballem said in a news release issued today (July 24).

According to the city, Jackson’s previous experience includes managing waterfront planning for the City of Toronto in the 1990s, and a transit-oriented development plan incorporating 11 communities from Pasadena to Montclair, California.

Mayor Gregor Robertson said Jackson will bring 32 years of planning experience, and specific skills in areas including affordability, transit-oriented development, and community consultation.

“He is keenly aware of the challenges we face and we look forward to him working with our local neighbourhoods, businesses and not-for-profit communities to implement our vision for the future of Vancouver,” Robertson said in the news release.

Toderian was fired in January 2012 after serving as planning director for six years. Robertson told reporters at the time that city council "felt this was a good time for change of leadership".