Melissa holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Ryerson University and a Masters of Arts Degree in Political Science from York University and is a Registered Professional Planner with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, and a Full Member with the Canadian Institute of Planners.  Melissa began her career in planning in the Greater Toronto Area, working for several municipalities, where she gained experience in minor variances, zoning by-laws, official plan updates and amendments and oversaw the drafting of the City of Pickering City Centre Zoning By-law.

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Melissa moved to Muskoka in 2017, where she was the Director of Planning for the Township of Lake of Bays for 5 years.  Melissa gained experience in rural and waterfront planning and the Community Planning Permit System.  She oversaw the drafting of a Community Planning Permit By-law for the entire municipality, one of the first in the province.

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Melissa also has experience as a private sector planner, most recently working on planning and development projects on behalf of property owners throughout Muskoka, Haliburton and the surrounding communities.  Melissa has managed a broad range of land use planning and development projects.