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Jennifer Keesmaat is an urban planner and city-builder known for her work creating inclusive, sustainable, and people-focused communities. Recognized as one of Canada’s most influential leaders, she served as Toronto’s Chief City Planner for five years, where she was widely respected for her forward-thinking vision and collaborative approach to shaping the city’s growth.

Over a career spanning more than 15 years, Keesmaat has worked across Canada and internationally on urban design, transit planning, and strategies for building dense, walkable cities. She is President and CEO of Collecdev Markee, where she leads the development of communities across the Greater Toronto Area, with a focus on livability, sustainability, and access to housing. Her expertise has been recognized through numerous national and international awards, and her work continues to influence policy, planning, and development at the highest levels.

Keesmaat remains an active voice in the future of cities through advisory roles, national policy work, and public discourse. She has contributed to major publications including The Globe and Mail, Foreign Affairs, and The Guardian, and hosts the podcasts Invisible City and Within Reach, where she explores the challenges and opportunities shaping urban life. Her work reflects a deep commitment to building cities where people and communities can truly thrive.