Meet Paul Klassen, TeamSTC’s new development expeditor.
What’s a development expeditor, you ask?
In his new role, Paul will help guide major developments and large investment through the approval process at City Hall. Serving as the building community’s link to the City, the development expeditor supports developers as they navigate through the various processes major projects need to go through in order to get shovels in the ground.
Paul is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and holds an honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Planning, with an Urban Design Specialization. He brings progressive experience to St. Catharines having managed the entire spectrum of development applications – including pre-submission consultation, OPAs, ZBAs, site plan, condominiums, and large plans of subdivision.
Did you know: the population in St. Catharines is expected to grow to 150,000 by 2031 and to more than 165,000 by 2041. St. Catharines remains an attractive place to invest and developers continue to choose OurHomeSTC for their major projects: Last year, the City issued 25 per cent more building permits than it did in 2020.
As one of 25 Urban Growth Centres identified by the Province of Ontario, Downtown St. Catharines enjoys planning policies designed to increase population density. Paul’s work will continue to help streamline processes and improve service at City Hall, further strengthening’s St. Catharines reputation for being investment ready.
Meet the Team
PAUL KLASSEN
Development Expeditor
“I love St. Catharines and I’m excited to contribute to the exciting progress and evolution here, which has become increasingly apparent over the last number of years,” Paul says, adding he lives in St. Catharines, his hometown, with his wife and young family.
Another recent addition to TeamSTC is Julia Ciolfi, our new Economic Development Officer.
Julia is a McMaster University graduate and joins our team bringing experience various capacities, including Tourism Product Development Specialist – Sport Tourism, Film Operations Specialist and, most recently Business Development and BIA Officer.
As a part of the TeamSTC, Julia will be administering the Temporary Outdoor Patio Program, supporting the expansion of the film industry in St. Catharines and helping to leverage the legacy of the Canada Summer Games.
Julia joins Sabrina Maselli and Samir Husika on our roster of Economic Development Officers and incredible resources to all businesses across St. Catharines. Reach out to us anytime!
Created in 2016 by International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest international professional trade association for economic developers, Economic Development Week aims to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.
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