The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, today announced three new appointments to the roster of adjudicators to hear land use planning appeals.
The new appointments are:
- John Baird
- Christopher Forbes
- Lorilee Sharpe
These appointments bring the roster of adjudicators to eleven and strengthens regional representation. Biographical information for the new appointees is available in the backgrounder below.
Adjudicators hear appeals related to land use and development issues that arise from decisions made by municipalities or a provincial government authority.
Appointees were recommended through the merit-based Independent Appointments Commission. The legislation allows for the appointment of up to 20 adjudicators for a three-year term. Members of the public interested in opportunities to serve on provincial agencies, boards and commissions are encouraged to apply at www.iacnl.ca
Quote
“We are pleased to continue to build the roster of adjudicators and to add representation for the central and western regions of the province. Adjudicators can hear appeals from any region of the province and provide a balanced and more efficient appeal process.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs
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Learn more
New Land Use Planning Appeal Process in Effect; Government Announces Roster of Adjudicators
Proposed Amendments Would Improve Appeal Process for Municipal Planning
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BACKGROUNDER
Biographies for New Members of the Roster of Adjudicators – Land Use Planning Appeals
John Baird, MCIP
John Baird has over 35 years’ experience in municipal land use planning in the private and public sectors and an extensive background related to community and regional economic development, environmental and natural resource planning, and public consultation. He has conducted municipal plan reviews and amendments for over 50 towns and local service districts in Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick. Mr. Baird has also served as the Deputy Mayor of the Town of Traytown. He holds a Master’s degree in Rural Planning and Development from the University of Guelph and is an active member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Christopher Forbes, Q.Arb.
Christopher Forbes received his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Dalhousie University in 2002 and is currently Associate General Counsel for Memorial University, where he also serves as an instructor in Business Law. He is a member of the Muskrat Falls Project Land Use Expropriation Arbitration Panel and a member of the Mental Health Care and Treatment Review Board. Previously, Mr. Forbes was a partner with a large Atlantic Canadian law firm, with experience in general litigation including municipal law. He is an active member of ADR Atlantic Institute, ADR Institute of Canada and the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Lorilee Sharpe
Lorilee Sharpe holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of New Brunswick and is currently City Solicitor with the City of Corner Brook, a position she has held since 2008. In this capacity, Ms. Sharpe has represented the city and various other clients at the Board of Appeal under the Urban and Rural Planning Act, as well as other Boards, administrative tribunals, and the Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Appeal Court. Ms. Sharpe is an active member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.