City of Vancouver parts ways with chief planner

The City of Vancouver is making changes to one of its most senior leadership positions, announcing the departure Monday of chief planner Theresa O’Donnell.

The City of Vancouver announced O’Donnell’s departure with a release Monday morning. The statement said the appointment as the city’s general manager of planning, urban design and sustainability has “concluded” effective Monday, but provided no further details about the change.

The statement included a quote from city manager Paul Mochrie, who said: “It has been a unique privilege to work with Theresa over the past four years. In addition to her technical expertise and incredible work ethic, I have deep respect for Theresa’s exemplary professionalism, her concern for team members and her unfailing commitment to public service.”

The city will begin a search for O’Donnell’s replacement. In the meantime, Doug Smith, previously a deputy general manager of planning, will serve as the interim head of planning.