Heather Ireland, B.A.

Heather focuses on natural heritage, water resources, and natural hazards planning, with extensive experience in land use planning, agriculture, and climate change. She has a strong background in developing and implementing natural heritage planning policies and mapping, including the creation of natural heritage systems, water resource systems, and delineating key natural and hydrologic features. Heather is well-versed in federal, provincial, municipal, and conservation authority policies and legislation, and has been involved in the development and review of Official Plans, Secondary Plans, and Zoning By-laws.

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With a wealth of project management experience, Heather has led long-range planning projects, such as the Halton Region Official Plan Review for natural heritage, and facilitated broad stakeholder consultations. She has presented to municipal councils and defended natural heritage policies in Ontario Land Tribunal proceedings. Additionally, she is skilled in negotiating service agreements with provincial, municipal, and conservation authorities.

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Beyond her planning expertise, Heather has a comprehensive understanding of terrestrial ecology and water resources, gained through her review of subwatershed studies, environmental impact assessments, hydrogeological reports, functional servicing reports, and hazard studies. She also brings experience in watershed planning, natural asset management, and has contributed to multidisciplinary projects involving aggregate resources, transportation infrastructure, and land and forestry management plans.