Media Release:Town Appoints Kim Blanchard as Director of Planning and Protective Services

The Town of Paradise today announced the appointment of Kim Blanchard as the Director of Planning and Protective Services, effective February 10, 2025. The appointment was approved during the regular Public Council Meeting on January 7. In the role, Ms. Blanchard will be a key leader within the Town’s administration overseeing the essential services that ensure responsible development, public safety, and regulatory compliance within the community. Ms. Blanchard joins Paradise on the retirement of current Planning and Protective Services Director Alton Glenn. 

“We are pleased to welcome Kim to the Town of Paradise. Her experience, knowledge, and commitment to the planning sector are a great asset as she oversees planning and development at Paradise, one of the fastest growing municipalities in the province.  We look forward to working with her in her role,” said Mayor Dan Bobbett. 

Ms. Blanchard has a diverse background and experience in planning and government work. She has worked with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for over 17 years. During that time, she held a variety of key positions, most recently as the Manager of Land Use Planning. She also has over a decade of experience working for municipalities in both Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. Blanchard is a fully certified professional land use planner. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Memorial University and a Master of Environmental Design (Planning) degree from the University of Calgary. 

“Through an extensive search process, Kim was the top candidate for the position, and we are excited to have her join the Town of Paradise. With her extensive planning background and commitment to serving the public, she brings a great skill set to compliment the Town’s leadership team and I look forward to working with her in her role,” said Lisa Niblock, Chief Administrator Officer. 

"I am absolutely thrilled to join the Town of Paradise as the new Director of Planning and Protective Services. Having deep connections within the planning community and years of experience working with municipalities, I’m eager to collaborate with the talented team to support the Town's growth and development. Paradise is a place rich with potential and vibrancy, and I’m excited to contribute to shaping its future while fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation, " said Ms. Blanchard. 

“We also extend our thanks to Alton Glenn for his 20 years with the Town. In his tenure as Director, he oversaw the Planning and Protective Services Department during the Town’s tremendous growth period, steering the planning direction for Paradise during its transition from a mainly rural community to the vibrant urban municipality it is today. We wish him all the best as he begins his well-deserved retirement,” added Mayor Bobbett.