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Finding Shared Solutions
for Communities, Councils, and Clients.
Navigate Ontario’s planning system with confidence—balancing local needs, provincial policy, and long-term community well-being.
A Land Use Planning Firm Rooted in Collaboration, Clarity, and Respect
Common Ground Planning (CGP) helps municipalities, councils, agricultural organizations, and project teams navigate complex land use decisions. With over 20 years of experience in public sector planning, environmental assessment, municipal development review, agricultural policy, and facilitation, CGP brings a steady, friendly, and practical approach to every project.
Whether you are updating an Official Plan, reviewing development applications, strengthening agricultural policy, or building capacity within your municipal team, we help you find the common ground that moves your community forward.
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Debbie Vandenakker, MCIP, RPP, PMP
Founder & Principal Planner, Common Ground Planning
Debbie is a municipal planner, facilitator, and policy specialist with more than two decades of experience helping Ontario communities navigate land use planning with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Her well-rounded perspective spans municipal government, conservation authorities, private consulting, and project management.
Known for her steady leadership and friendly communication style, Debbie believes that planning should strengthen communities by listening first, finding shared solutions, and making planning understandable for everyone involved.
Expertise Without Bureaucracy
Nimble, modern solutions tailored to municipal realities.
The CGP Collective: A Collaborative Network
Common Ground Planning is built on a modern, flexible model. As a collective of trusted planners, engineers, biologists, designers, and technical specialists, CGP scales services to match the size and complexity of each assignment delivering multidisciplinary expertise without added bureaucracy.
Multidisciplinary Teamwork
Bringing the right technical experts to the table at the right time.
Clear Communication
Simple, friendly, and responsive project management.
Public Policy & Land Use Planning
Clear, practical policy work that strengthens communities and supports long-term growth.
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Official Plans
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Zoning By-laws & Community Planning Permit Systems (CPPS)
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Strategic Planning and Policy Support
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Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) Peer Reviews
Municipal Training & Facilitation
Customized training sessions that help councils, committees, and staff navigate Ontario's evolving planning legislation with confidence.
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Planning Act fundamentals & legislative updates
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Roles and responsibilities for Council, staff, and committees
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Application types, timelines, and review process improvements
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Policy interpretation and effective decision-making
How We Support Your Community
Municipal Planning Services
Reliable, responsive, Planning Act-compliant support tailored for rural and northern municipalities.
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Development application reviews & Committee of Adjustment support
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Policy interpretation & staff guidance
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Planning Act-compliant reporting and recommendations
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Resident-focused communication and facilitation
Agricultural Policy & Association Training
Agricultural Planning - expertise in protecting Ontario's farmland through practical and community-supported policy planning.
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Agricultural policy training
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Planning in Agricultural Areas
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Agricultural Impact Assessment Peer Reviews
Policy Work
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Township of Larder Lake Official Plan and Zoning By-law
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Municipality of West Nipissing Official Plan and Zoning By-law
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Central Lake Ontario Watershed Plans
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Township of Cavan-Monaghan Official Plan
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Township of Melancthon Official Plan and Zoning By-law
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Township of Ryerson Official Plan and Zoning By-law
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Township of Ramara, Master Recreational Plan
Training and Facilitation
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City of Timmins full-day Planning 101 for new Councils
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Township of McKellar half-day Planning 101 Training
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Halton Region Federation of Agriculture full-day Agricultural Policy Training
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West Elgin Federation of Agriculture full-day Planning 101 for Agricultural Associations
Recent Projects & Policy Work
The following project examples span Debbie's career working under various organizations.
Community Planning Permit Systems (CPPS)
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County of Frontenac Waterfront Development Permit Template
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County of Simcoe Housing First Affordable and Attainable Housing Permit System Template
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City of Markham CPPS Feasibility Study
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Township of South Frontenac Waterfront CPPS and Zoning By-law Update
Agricultural Work
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Development applications for surplus farm severance applications
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LEAR study for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
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Agricultural Profile update for the County of Peterborough
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Agricultural Impact Assessment Peer Reviews for the City of London and Haldimand County
Let’s Find Common Ground
Whether you represent a municipality, agricultural organization, or project team, CGP is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Friendly, professional, and grounded in real municipal experience. Let's work together to build strong, resilient communities.
Serving communities across Ontario