The County’s former Chief Administrative Officer, Marcia Wallace, has been appointed the City of Ottawa’s new General Manager of Planning, Development and Building Services.

Ms. Wallace starts her new role in Canada’s Capital in June. She will manage the city’s planning and heritage files, including development approvals, real estate and economic development, and infrastructure projects.

The appointment was made after a rigorous two-year search for the right candidate.

In her rationale to Ottawa’s mayor and council, City Manager Wendy Stephanson called Ms. Wallace a “true public sector leader with a proven track record of building high-performing and engaged teams.” 

During her tenure here, Ms. Wallace led the creation of a 10-year community plan, developed a Corporate Strategic Plan with measurable benchmarks, led process modernization efforts and a comprehensive by-law review, and established an industry-led Destination Management and Marketing Corporation.

In 2022, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario presented Ms. Wallace with the Peter J. Marshall Innovation Award for her efforts to support new housing development.

“Marcia has vast expertise in urban, suburban and rural planning, public administration, and transformative leadership within both the municipal and provincial contexts,” Ms. Stephanson said. 

“Throughout her career, Marcia has cultivated strong relationships with key community groups, the development sector, various levels of government and Indigenous communities.”

Ms. Stephanson called the new hire an integrative thinker, transparent and effective communicator, who focuses on evidence-based decision-making and innovative solutions.

“I am confident she will lead the team to success in an inspiring and empowering way while delivering on the priorities of Council, the organization and the evolving landscape of our city.”

County Councillor Bill Roberts said he wasn’t surprised Ms. Wallace would find a top role with a major city such as Ottawa.  

“Frankly, top-notch planning professionals are very hard for municipalities to find and retain these days. When I read of Marcia’s hire, it seems like a perfect fit. A huge challenge, a big city, but a perfect fit,” he said.

Before she came to the County, Ms. Wallace was Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in the Ontario government. She was instrumental in the service transformation of Ontario’s Building Code regulation to align with the National Code. She is a registered planning professional and holds a Ph.D in Planning from the University of Waterloo, and and MA and BA in Political Science from Queens University and the University of Calgary.