The past several years have been very busy ones for the Municipality of Cumberland’s planning department with an explosion of development in various areas of the county and a large increase in applications for permits.
Kira Norgren joined the municipality’s planning staff in early February and was quick to welcome the challenge that comes with the development boom.
A graduate of the community design and environmental planning program at Dalhousie University, she has experience in planning implementation, land-use bylaw review and site suitability studies.
She learned about the opportunity with the municipality when her boyfriend came in to meet with recently retired planner Nelson Bezanson about a piece of property he owns in the municipality.
“When he heard Nelson was retiring, he asked if there was an opening. It was pretty happenstance,” she said. “Nelson left some big shoes to fill. It’s been a big undertaking to jump in but I feel I’ve been rolling with the punches and doing my best.”
Norgren says she enjoys the work and being in a planning job.
“I’ve always been passionate about planning and it’s great to be doing the work,” she said. “It’s been fun, even if it has been challenging at times. It’s nice to have the challenge. I love being part of the team here.”
Prior to joining the municipality, Norgren worked with the Students on Ice Foundation that has led more than 35 youth expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctica, and Greenland. Students on Ice is recognized globally as a leader in youth engagement with a legacy focused on changing lives and the world.
She did an internship with Village on Main in Dartmouth, a community improvement organization.
Away from her career, Norgren loves to paint and draw.
“We have a whole room in our apartment that’s been converted into a studio,” she said. “Sometimes I paint on canvas but recently I’ve been spending a lot of my time furniture painting, repainting dressers and desks. I really love anything art related. It’s always been a good outlet for me.”
Glen Boone, director of development and planning, said Norgren is a huge asset to the department.
“We are very pleased to welcome Kira into her new role. Municipalities are challenged across the region to secure planners and to have someone with Kiras educational and project background join the MCC is of great benefit,” Boone said. “In the short time with us Kira has proven to be a quick study and is already helping lead planning projects.”