Cambridge Forum on Land Use Planning _{1st Generation}

Thom is a Registered Professional Planner and graduate of the University of Windsor and St. Clair College, he holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Planning, a Masters Degree and a Diploma in Civil Engineering. Thom has over 35 years of professional and multi-disciplinary experience and has held various roles in both private and public practice including consulting engineering, conservation authorities, and community sustainability initiatives. He joined the City’s of Windsor’s Planning and Development Department in 1998 and is currently its Executive Director and Chief Planner. For the past 3 years Thom has been the Chair of the Regional Planning Commissioners of Ontario (RPCO) who’s mandate is to advocate common positions on behalf of its member municipalities to both the Provincial and Federal governments.

Called to the Ontario Bar in 1990. Founding partner of the law firm of KAGAN SHASTRI LLP.  Practice focuses on municipal law, land use planning law, development charges and expropriations.  Represents a wide range of both private sector (developers, landowners, and residents groups) and public sector (local municipalities, regional municipalities, conservation authorities and Children’s’ Aid Societies) clients in a variety of land use planning and municipal law matters.  Practices extensively before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly the Ontario Municipal Board) and all levels of courts in Ontario.  Several published articles and speaker at continuing legal education seminars.  Former member of the Board of Directors of Ontario Power Generation in (April 2014 – April 2017). Former Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation (Jan. 2018 – June 2019).

Claudia Storto is currently the City Solicitor and Director of Human Resources at the City of Markham. She was previously the City Solicitor at the City of Vaughan and Counsel in the municipal, planning and environmental section of a Toronto law firm. In her current role, Claudia sits on the Executive Leadership Team and acts as senior legal advisor to City Council and all City departments, with oversight of Legal Services, Real Property and Human Resources. She has expertise in municipal and planning law and has frequently appeared before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.

Caity is an MBA graduate from the Schulich School of Business in Toronto. 

Prior to joining Cambridge Forums, she worked for the Government of Canada in various communications, website and research analyst positions. She has a passion for continuous learning, strategy development and relationship building. 

In her spare time, Caity enjoys hiking, being in nature and spending time with her Australian Shepherd pup.