Bruce County official receives Ontario Professional Planners Institute leadership award

Bruce County’s commissioner of community development, Clare Dodds, has received a Registered Professional Planners leadership award from the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.

The institute hosted its 2025 PlanON Awards, Thursday, Sept. 18, recognizing members who demonstrate professional excellence and a commitment to advancing the planning profession across the province.

With 20-plus years of experience, Dodds represents the ideal recipient of this award which is described as a “trailblazer within the planning profession; recognizing planners who exemplify the qualities of leadership, collaboration, professionalism, and empowering others.”

Since joining the county in 2022, Dodds has led the co-ordinated and strategic approach to a wide range of community initiatives. Her role as commissioner of community development puts the skills which the award recognizes, to use to address emerging challenges and opportunities across the county, including energy infrastructure investments, housing, environmental issues and transportation options.

“Her ability to navigate complex, large-scale projects using a grounded and collaborative approach to focus on community readiness for the people of Bruce County, is admirable,” said county warden Luke Charbonneau. “This award is reflective of the work she leads in the county, and it is wonderful to see the recognition of her leadership by the institute. Congratulations, Claire!”

“Thank you to the Ontario Provincial Planning Institute for this recognition, it’s truly an honour,” said Dodds. “It is a privilege to lead the teams focused on delivering positive outcomes through the community development office.”



Claire Dodds (left), Bruce County’s commissioner of community development, receives recognition from warden Luke Charbonneau for her 2025 Registered Professional Planners leadership award