Cambridge Forum on Land Use Planning _{2nd Generation}

Eldon Theodore is a Partner with MHBC, specializing in land use planning, urban design and sustainability. Eldon joined the firm in 2002, holds an Honours Bachelor Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Waterloo and a Masters Degree in Urban Design Studies from the University of Toronto. Eldon’s land use planning experience includes over 20 years of obtaining development approvals (Subdivisions, Condominiums, Site Plans, Official Plan and Zoning By – law Amendments, Consents, and Minor Variances), project coordination and management, undertaking special studies and associated research, expert witness at the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal and presentations to Committees, Council and the general public. Eldon also specializes in providing design and sustainable development services to public and private sector clients across Ontario. His experience includes the application of urban design and sustainable initiatives through policy preparation, site design analysis, community visioning, design briefs and community design guidelines. Mr. Theodore is also trained in conducting intensive design charrettes to help establish places of distinction and create value in a community. Eldon is a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a registered professional planner. Eldon also serves as a Director on the Design Industry Advisory Committee of Toronto.

Jason is a Registered Professional Planner with the City of Mississauga. He joined the organization in 2018 and is responsible for directing policy planning initiatives throughout the City. This includes the City’s Official Plan and a vast array of housing and employment data. Prior to joining Mississauga, Jason worked at Hemson Consulting for over ten years.

Sarah Jacobs is principal of Jacobs Dispute Resolution, Ontario’s first exclusively online mediation and arbitration service for land-related disputes. Sarah brings to her practice more than 20 years of expertise in the fields of land use planning, municipal law, and expropriation. As one of the youngest appointees to the former Ontario Municipal Board (now the Ontario Land Tribunal), Sarah is recognized as a skilled arbitrator and mediator, as well as an innovator in the field. During her time at the Tribunal, she adjudicated, case-managed, and mediated a variety of complex, multi-party disputes in planning, expropriation, and municipal matters. Sarah has worked at the intersection of land development and the law throughout her career. She holds an undergraduate degree in Planning (University of Windsor), a Master in Environmental Studies with a focus in planning (York University), and a Bachelor of Laws (Osgoode Hall Law School). Sarah’s experience also includes working with the City of Toronto’s Legal Services Division and later advising municipalities as Township Solicitor, as well as private sector clients, while she was a partner in a law firm in Fergus, Ontario. In addition to her arbitration and mediation work, Sarah enjoys teaching. She has taught in the law schools of both the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy, and she has extensive experience creating and delivering continuing professional development programming. 

Annely Zonena is a Professional Planner with experience in the private and public sectors. Annely has worked on master planning and urban design projects in municipalities across Canada. In Toronto, Annely played a central role in planning and implementation of the early phases of the Regent Park Revitalization including housing development, community facilities, partnerships, and community engagement. At the City of Toronto, Annely has led numerous area studies, the review of the City's Alternative Parkland Dedication Rate, the Growing Up Guidelines, and all aspects of the planning process for the Housing Now Initiative. Recently, Annely has joined the City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry & Recreation Division and is Interim Director of the Parks Planning and Strategic Initiatives Branch. In this role, Annely is overseeing the city-wide Parkland Strategy, Facilities Master Plan, major park projects such as Toronto Island Park Master Plan, implementation of park strategies for large area studies, parkland acquisitions, development applications, and mitigating impacts of transit expansion. Annely's focus has been youth engagement and development; she has led numerous workshops about urban planning for young people across the GTA.

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.

Alyssa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Diploma in Event Planning and Management from George Brown College. With a diverse background in live event production, including concerts and sporting events, as well as corporate experience within a law firm, Alyssa is committed to delivering exceptional and memorable experiences. Her extensive expertise in hospitality and customer service fuels her dedication to exceeding client expectations. Outside of her professional pursuits, Alyssa enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new cuisines, practicing yoga, and traveling.