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.

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.