Paradise’s planning director calls it a day

By Mark Squibb

Planning and Protective Services Director Alton Glenn is retiring after working with the Town of Paradise for over 20 years.

“Alton has been a true leader in the town’s development and is considered an expert in his field by council and his colleagues,” said councillor Larry Vaters, who brought forward the notice during last week’s public council meeting.

Vaters moved that council ratify a privileged vote held earlier that day to hire land use planner Kim Blanchard in his stead, effective February 10.

“Ms. Blanchard has a diverse background and experience in planning and government work,” said Vaters. “She has worked with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for over 17 years. During that time, she held a variety of key positions, most recently as the Manager of Land Use Planning. She also has over a decade of experience working for municipalities in both Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. Blanchard is a fully certified professional land use planner. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Memorial University and a Master of Environmental Design (Planning) degree from the University of Calgary.”

The motion passed unanimously.

“Over the last 20 years, I’ve had a great working relationship with Glenn,” said Mayor Dan Bobbett. “He’s always been very professional. He’s guided us through two 10-year municipal plans, and he’s guided us through all that. He’s been a major part of the growth in Paradise.”

Glenn was hired as a Town Planner in 2003, a position he held for six years until being named Director of Planning and Protective Services in 2009.