Maple Ridge has a new planning director to take over from Jane Pickering, who departed for Vancouver last month.
Christine Carter has been hired as her successor, the District of Maple Ridge announced Wednesday.
It shouldn’t be much of a learning curve for Carter, though. She’s been with the district since 1998 and worked on the district’s long-term plan, approved in 2006.
Mayor Ernie Daykin said Carter has been key in creating the Official Community Plan, the town centre area plan, and the ongoing work in Albion flats.
“We have a number of important projects underway and Ms. Carter’s knowledge and insight will be important in keeping the momentum going at this important point in the community’s development,” he added.
Carter, formerly the manager of community planning, lives in Maple Ridge and thanked everyone for their support. “I look forward to the challenges of this new position.”
She has degrees from the University of New Brunswick and Queen’s University in Ontario.
Pickering accepted a job offer of deputy director of planning for the City of Vancouver last month.
John Leeburn, district executive-director to the chief administrator, said there was a wide search for a candidate, but added that such key positions be held by the most-qualified people.
“Ms. Carter’s skills, experience and vision earned her the offer. It is a reflection on the talent in the entire organization that the best candidate available already worked here.”