Dave McCleary
Municipal
David’s career spans 50 years in urban planning, transportation, policy, government relations and strategic advice in the Municipal and Provincial Sectors.
In 1973 he joined Damas and Smith Consulting Engineers undertaking various studies for municipal and private sector clients.
At the Region of Halton, starting in 1974, he held positions as Planner, Senior Planner, Manager of Policy and Transportation, Senior Advisor and Project Manager. He was part of teams which prepared three Regional Official Plans, a waterfront plan, various transportation, economic development, housing, long term care, EMS services, sewer and water, waste management master plans and front end financing schemes.
David acted as Project Manager for the Halton Urban Structure Plan from 1986 to 1998 to established a comprehensive, integrated plan for growth and infrastructure investment.
In 1999, David joined the CAO’s office to provide advice on download of infrastructure (transit/major roads), the creation of the Great Toronto Services Board and other governance matters.
David chaired a working group which prepared the report “Transportation Funding in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton Wentworth” which became the basis for the Provincial and Federal Governments to transfer $0.2/Litre of gas tax to municipalities. He also was instrumental n the conceptualization, establishment and funding for the Niagara Bi-National Economic Roundtable.
In 2004, he moved to the Corporate Counsel to head up the defence of the Official Plan before the OMB. Responsibilities included witness management, defence strategy, working with legal Counsel and negotiation of settlements approved by Council and the OMB.
With the approval of a new Regional Plan (ROPA 25) in 2007, David retired from Halton (after 34 years) and joined the Toronto Board of Trade as their Municipal Affairs Advisor. Responsibilities included preparation a response to the Toronto Budget, proposed new taxes and public-private partnerships.
In 2008 David joined Strategycorp as a Senior Consultant providing advice to public and private sector clients. Highlights included co-author of a report which provided the basis for the creation of the Rouge Urban National Park. He also provided advice to a major Canadian retailer to secure a rare Minister’s Zoning Order for a $600 million distribution centre. He also provided advice to an international companying in the development of renewable energy projects across Ontario.
Currently David is now a Senior Advisor at Strategycorp providing advice to clients in Municipal Services Practice.
David has published articles in the OPPI Journal, ReNew Magazine, Municipal World as well as major papers on Aggregate Resources Management and the Places to Grow Plan. He also serves on the U of W School of Environmental Studies, Pragma Council. He was winner of the CPRS Award for Issues and Crisis Management, Canada Centre for Public Private Partnerships Silver Award and recognized by the Professional Engineers of Ontario for his contribution to public works.