City Announces New Director of Planning Services

The City of Greater Sudbury is pleased to share that Melissa Riou has been promoted to the role of Director of Planning Services overseeing development approvals, geographic information systems and strategic and environmental planning.

Ms. Riou joined the City as a Senior Planner in 2016 and was most recently Interim Manager of Strategic and Environmental Planning. She is a Registered Professional Planner and a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Geography from Laurentian University and a Master of Applied Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo.

Before her time with the City of Greater Sudbury, she also served as Director of Planning for the Sudbury East Planning Board from 2011 to 2016, and as a Planner for Oxford County from 2005 to 2011. Since joining the city, she has led several significant policy development initiatives, including the Employment Lands Strategy and the Housing Supply Strategy. Her extensive experience in municipal planning will serve her well in her new role.

“Melissa’s depth of experience and demonstrated leadership in key growth portfolios for the City make her an excellent fit for this role,” said Kris Longston, General Manager of Planning and Growth. “She has been an integral part of the Planning Services department’s initiatives during her career with the City so far, and I look forward to continuing to work with her in this new capacity.”

"I am honoured to take on this new role within the City," said Melissa Riou. "The work we are doing to drive growth in our community is essential, and I have an excellent team to work alongside. My time with them has prepared me well and I am excited to take on this new challenge."

Ms. Riou begins her new role on Monday December 1, 2025 reporting to the General Manager of Planning and Growth.