Kirstin Jensen has been Deputy Chief of Staff to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable Steve Clark, since July 2022. She joined the Ministry in December 2020 as a Senior Policy Advisor for Planning and Development and was promoted to Director of Policy in May 2021. From April to July 2022, she served as Chief of Staff, overseeing the Royal Assent of the Province’s historic legislation, Bill 109. She plays an integral role in the development of various pieces of legislation and policy decisions of the Ministry, providing policy analysis and recommendations aimed at increasing market and rental supply, streamlining the land use planning system, and challenging affordability and homelessness. Kirstin’s experience in land use planning and planning policy has influenced key decisions on several Official Plan approvals, Housing Supply Action Plans, and the new Provincial Planning Statement. She holds a Master of Planning in Urban Development from Ryerson University, a Master of Arts in Political Science from McMaster University, concentrating in Canadian Politics and Public Policy, and an Honours BA from Brock University, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Criminology. Kirstin was previously the Manager of Planning & Government Relations at the West End Home Builders’ Association and spent time as a Planner with the City of St. Catharines. Her interests include planning policy, land use planning and development, and creating complete communities, with a keen interest in new urbanism. Outside of her career, Kirstin is an avid soccer player and golfer.
erin June 20th, 2023
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Milestones in a career and life are a wonderful way of inspiring our emerging young leaders. Please share a proud or “magic moment” that shaped your journey?
An important milestone in my career and life was being accepted into the Toronto CREW mentorship program. As a mentee, I received guidance and support at the early stage of my career and it provided professional development opportunities that helped me build up my confidence and increased my knowledge of the industry. Also, I was able to access an amazing network of female leaders, many of whom developed into meaningful friendships. The mentorship program was the best investment in myself and it was the catalyst for future leadership roles within the organization. This opportunity helped to shape me into the professional I am today.
Who were your major influencers/mentors (up to 2) and what were the key lessons you gained from them?
One of my major influencers is Bonny McCloud, who was the mentor I was matched with at Toronto CREW. She is one of my biggest cheerleaders. Bonny sees my talent and reminds me of my value even when I am filled with self-doubt. She always provides great insight and perspective. For example, she explained to me the impact that a global company can make and what it means to be a leader in sustainability. At the beginning of my career, she taught me how the different areas of expertise within real estate are interconnected. Another key lesson Bonny taught me was the qualities of a leader. She exemplifies the type of leader I want to be and embodies the values that I admire such as respect, patience and kindness. She is an accomplished and well-respected person and I am fortunate to her have as a mentor.
Another major influencer on my career and life is Farrah Khimji. She has been a great advocate, continually motivating me and pushing me beyond my comfort zone in order to helped me grow. She convinced me to start and lead Toronto CREW’s committee that is focused on diversity, equity and inclusion and then encouraged me to become a Board of Director. Both of these experiences have been fulfilling and rewarding. Both opportunities have improved my leadership and communication skills, elevated my strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills, helping me become a more confident and effective leader. Farrah has taught me the importance of discovering my purpose by tapping into my passion. I am inspired by her bold leadership and she has taught me what it means to be a trailblazer.
What do you think are the next big challenges we need to tackle as an industry and as a successful city-region? Are there specific things you think we should be doing to meet the challenges?
The next big challenge is gender pay parity. To tackle this challenge, different tactics should be deployed such as increasing the implementation of gender parity policies and improving transparency of data by encouraging more companies and employees to participate in industry studies and surveys that report on the gender and diversity. Also, showcasing employers that have an advancement strategy for women and marginalized employees and are leading the way towards an equitable future.
Tell us how you champion others in the industry.
I champion women and people of colour by encouraging them to take leadership positions and I find and/or create opportunities for them to be moderators or panelist. I also create and volunteer my time to initiatives that help to diversify the talent pipeline in to the industry, such as Real Jobs Day and CREW REV Bursary summer program and 2020 – 2022 Board of Director of CREW Network Foundation.
What is your secret talent no one knows you have?
I can make a delicious Thanksgiving turkey.
What is the best word to describe you? And Why?
Determination because I accomplish any initiative I put my mind to.
erin June 20th, 2023
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Magic Moment: I’m a big believer in carving your own path and not following pre-set standards – even when things get hard. When I decided to do my Masters in Strategic Design and Management at Parsons, my family, friends, and peers where a little confused why an Interior Designer needs that, especially while working full time. Everyone was not as understanding when I started my entrepreneurship journey at naïve age of 25. I also left the design world and joined an innovation firm where it seemed like a step backwards and no connection to Interior Design. All those perceived ‘mis-directions’ to a typical career journey has made me a more thoughtful and strategic leader. I would say my ‘magic moment’ would be every time I questioned myself, it was to keep going and listen to my gut.
Key Influence:
Abdul Kaderali, Architect: He was able to show what it means to lead with compassion and a calm mind, I was fortunate enough to work under his guidance and become well-versed with contracts and negotiating on site with multiple stakeholders. He embodied a grounding energy to lead a team with ease and build strong relationships – even when things got tense during project delivery.
Nadia Sapiro, President, Throughline Strategy: Nadia was a force to work with. She empowered me to believe in myself, step into my strengths and not have to ask for a seat at the table. I quickly learned that I didn’t need to prove myself – and just be. She spoke with honest candor and gave critical feedback in a beautiful way. She truly lifted those around her and taught me how to be a true consultant.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: We need to be building more sustainable buildings and adaptively reuse office buildings into multi-unit residential to assist with the housing shortage. Following One Planet living for design and specification in spaces to push vendors to offer more sustainable options – as they are currently very limited.
On Championing Others…: I participate in events which help students curate their portfolios and prepare them for interviews. This is also done with immigrants that come to Canada who are seasoned professionals and need to enter the market. I have been on multiple ARIDO committees and was on the Executive Board as a Director to advocate for the profession. My passion for business operations is also shared with fellow business owners – all to elevate the industry and improve our services or be there when situations get challenging. I love watching people attain their goals and grow and anywhere I can help them on their journey brings me great joy.
Secret Talent: In my free time, I play with silk and fire fans.
One word that captures you: Tenacious – I’ve been called an ice breaker ship many times, I bulldoze through what sometimes feels like the impossible and enjoy solving complex situations.
erin June 20th, 2023
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Magic Moment: My proudest moment – a member of my team (when I first became a team lead a few years back) told me that I made them feel valued. They indicated that this was the first time in their career that they felt this way. This meant the world to me. A leader is nothing without a strong team and there isn’t a better feeling than unlocking someone’s potential.
Key Influence:
My father: He taught me to trust my instincts and be decisive – even if I get it wrong. Making a decision is the only way to move things forward.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: The cost of land needs to come down to restore housing affordability. We need to balance the needs of people and the natural environment. One doesn’t take priority over the other. We can speed up the delivery of housing development while taking pragmatic measures to protect the environment.
On Championing Others…: I listen, encourage and support. I try to lead by example and express that all voices matter.
Secret Talent: Springboard diving. I spent hours as a kid at Lester B. Pearson Collegiate in Scarborough practicing. To this day, I can do a mean dive!
One word that captures you: Practical. I set very clear goals and go after them.
erin June 20th, 2023
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Magic Moment: One ‘magic moment’ that profoundly stands out to me was the opening of the Regent Park Athletic Grounds in Toronto. It was early in my career, and I played a leadership role in collaborating with MSLE Foundation to mark this important milestone in the Regent Park revitalization that required creativity, passion and emphasized the importance of working together with great partners. This milestone represented not only a significant achievement in my career but also a transformative experience for the community. On the day of the Grand Opening, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation. I witnessed the joy and sense of belonging on the faces of the kids as they stepped onto the new field, courts and rink. This proud milestone not only shaped my career but also left an indelible mark on the lives of countless young individuals in Regent Park. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of accessible and inclusive spaces, and the importance of leadership in creating lasting positive change.
Key Influence:
My Parents: My major influencers have been my parents, who have been instrumental in shaping my perspective on leadership. They have consistently emphasized the value of building strong relationships, following one’s passion, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Their unwavering support and guidance have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the significance of meaningful connections, pursuing what truly inspires me, and prioritizing personal well-being alongside professional success. Their guidance has not only influenced my approach to leadership but have also served as a solid foundation for my personal and professional growth.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: I believe one of the ongoing challenges we need to continue to tackle is creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for all. We should prioritize breaking down barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background or abilities. This requires a multi-faceted approach, including designing and implementing inclusive infrastructure, fostering diverse and representative leadership, and promoting affordable and accessible housing options. By actively involving marginalized communities in decision-making processes and implementing policies that prioritize inclusivity, we can build a City that embraces diversity, empowers its residents, and sets an example for others to follow.
On Championing Others…: As a passionate storyteller, I champion others in the industry by amplifying their voices and highlighting their achievements through the power of narrative. I believe in the power of narratives to inspire and empower individuals, especially women, to pursue leadership positions in the urban land industry. Through my storytelling, I strive to highlight the achievements and experiences of diverse professionals, amplifying their voices and providing a platform for their stories to be heard. By sharing these narratives, I aim to create a sense of community, foster connections, and ultimately drive positive change, encouraging more women to step into leadership roles and contribute their unique perspectives to the field.
Secret Talent: I’m an animal whisperer.
One word that captures you: Tenacious
erin June 20th, 2023
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Magic Moment: Creating Powell Planning & Associates has been the boldest and most rewarding move of my career. Through creating a company that focuses on helping people, early career planners through mentorship and landowners through their applications, navigate through the land use planning process has been a full-circle, humbling and fulfilling chapter. There have been many ‘magic moments’ that have resulted, so I reflect back on the decision that created, and will continue to create, ‘magic moments’ and valuable opportunities.
Key Influence:
Steven Webber: Steven was one of my Professors at TMU who then became a colleague and is now as a fellow Principal Consultant. Steven is approachable, honest, supportive, dedicated and has been very positive throughout my planning career as a student and most recently as a planning professional. His investment in me and my career’s success has been remarkable, kind and motivational. True success will result when I can be to others, what Steven has been to me in my career.
Susan Wiggins: As OPPI’s current Executive Director, Susan is an unstoppable change agent who embodies the necessity to objectively evaluate operations and establish solutions that truly meet the needs of those that she serves through her admirable skillset. From Susan, I have learned to be bold yet well understood. She has supported me in being a leader in a space where it has been uncommon for women who look like me, to be one. She has empowered me to take on new opportunities/exposure and to cease the moment of the progression that our Industry is experiencing.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: The delivery of affordable and attainable housing remains a challenge industry-wide. The issue is growing and the solutions are not meeting the magnitude of the crisis. This issue also exists in Rural areas where there is a lack of data and services to improve housing availability/inventory. Urban areas are getting more support and traction on interventions, but policy from all levels of government require more cohesion. There are willing stakeholders looking to deliver the necessary housing, but the process has to be more accessible and use-friendly, to large and small providers.
On Championing Others…: I champion those in the industry through offering mentorship and career support, especially for racialized early career planners. I want them to know that there are others like them that have walked the journey they are embarking on and that they will be supported through open and honest conversations with dedication.
Secret Talent: I can ‘Dad Joke’ with the best of them.
One word that captures you: Motivated. I love and get life from being presented a challenge and working through it to its success. Then I look for the next challenge and the process repeats. I am constantly looking to grow and better myself in multiple facets of life and my career.
erin June 20th, 2023
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Riva has over a decade of experiences as a strategic communications and marketing professional in Canada’s real estate development and city-building sector. From condo launches to community engagements, her expertise lies in shaping narratives and influencing critical conversations on urban growth and challenges, particularly in Toronto and the GTHA.
Riva has consulted and worked with a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, including residential and commercial real estate developers, asset owners, investors, urban planners, architects, and related industry associations and non-profit organizations.
Her expertise encompasses brand and project narrative development, media relations, issues management and stakeholder and community engagement strategies to help build reputations, drive business and advocacy outcomes. Her portfolio also includes projects with robust sustainability mandates, including affordable housing and the transition to low carbon in city building.
With a background in journalism and strong ability to distill complex information about real estate development into engaging bite size pieces that the media and public gravitate to, she looks forward to sharing and shaping many more stories about the present and future visions of city building for the GTHA.
erin July 5th, 2022
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Kris Menzies joined the firm in 2005. Kris has worked in both the public and private sector since 1989 including being the Director of Planning for the Township of Oro-Medonte in Simcoe County, Vice-President of a mid-size commercial and housing development business, and President of her own planning consulting firm.
Kris specializes in development approvals, project management, proforma development, resort planning and development, policy development, and the negotiation of development agreements.
Kris is actively involved in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and has held several voluntary positions including being a chair of various conferences for OPPI, and a member of the Policy Committee. She also assisted in the development of OPPI’s project management course. Kris has been a representative on the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Committee in drafting Development Permit regulations and has lectured on various planning matters.
Kris received her Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Urban and Regional Planning) from the University of Waterloo in 1989 and her Bachelor of Education (Adult Education) from the University of Brock in 2007. Kris is a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a Registered Professional Planner.
erin June 11th, 2022
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Agnieszka Wloch is a Real Estate Development professional with focus on leading and successfully executing complex development initiatives that contribute to Minto’s objective of expanding strategically in select North American markets to create future growth. An Ivey EMBA graduate and a licensed architect, Agnieszka has a strong foundation in engineering, architectural and urban design paired with 20+ years of global experience in Canada, the US, Europe and the Caribbean.
In her role as a VP Development at Minto, Agnieszka is accountable for management of business strategy, process and project management within complex mixed-use real estate development realm via engagement of stakeholders and large, multidisciplinary teams. Agnieszka is an insightful, inquisitive and versatile leader, who quickly establishes relationships with stakeholders at all levels, introduces possibilities that challenge convention and focuses on action. She values sharing of ideas and experiences and supporting personal growth of the individuals she works with. Agnieszka is passionate about the impact we have on society and she focuses her efforts on building a better way of life.
erin June 11th, 2022
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