The Ontario Provincial Planning Institute (OPPI) hosted their 2025 PlanON Awards on Thursday, September 18th, 2025. The awards recognize members who demonstrate professional excellence and a commitment to advancing the planning profession across the province.
Claire Dodds, Bruce County’s commissioner of community development, is the PlanON 2025 RPP Leadership Award winner. OPPI describes the ideal recipient of this honour as a “trailblazer within the planning profession; recognizing Registered Professional Planners who exemplify the qualities of leadership, collaboration, professionalism, and empowering others.” Dodds’ efforts across her 20-plus-years of experience mirror these qualities well.
Since joining Bruce County in 2022, Dodds has led the coordinated 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 Bruce County, including energy infrastructure investments, housing, environmental issues and transportation options.
“Claire’s 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,” commented Bruce County Warden Luke Charbonneau. “This award is reflective of the work she leads in Bruce County, and it is wonderful to see the recognition of her leadership by OPPI. Congratulations, Claire!”
“Thank you to the Ontario Provincial Planning Institute for this recognition, it’s truly an honour,” acknowledged Dodds. “It is a privilege to lead the teams focused on delivering positive outcomes through the Community Development Office.”
