Several weeks after officially assuming her new role, Pelham’s new community planning and development director has made her first appearance in front of town council. Pam Duesling started her new job July 29. As director, Duesling’s responsibilities will include focusing on enhancing the quality of life in Pelham.
She will oversee building services reviews and approvals, land use policy development and implementation, zoning bylaw reviews, heritage planning and municipal drainage. During council meeting Aug. 14, Mayor Marvin Junkin welcomed the new director.
“It’s nice to be here today,” said Duesling. Duesling brings with her more than 25 years of experience in municipal development, land use planning and policy planning. She was formerly general manager of development services for the County of Brant.
Duesling has led official plan review projects, a natural heritage study, secondary plan projects and oversaw committees of adjustment and environmental advisory. “I am excited for the opportunity to work in the beautiful community of Pelham and looking forward to being involved in various agricultural and residential developments,” she said in a news release. “She has a proven track record of exemplary work,” David Cribbs, Pelham’s chief administrative officer, said in the release.
Duesling received a PhD in rural planning from University of Guelph, holds an honours bachelor of environmental studies in urban and regional planning, and has a masters in applied environmental studies in local economic development from the University of Waterloo and a masters certificate in municipal leadership from York University. Duesling took over the position of director of community planning and development from Barbara Wiens. In an email, Pelham said as of Monday, May 27, Wiens was “no longer employed with the town,” but did not comment further when asked about the circumstances of her employment.
Wiens was the town’s director of planning for eight years. In a statement, Cribbs said, “We wish to thank director Wiens for her service to the residents of Pelham and wish her well in future endeavours.”.
