Rajbir Sian 

1. What is your role and what does a typical day look like for you?  

My role involves working closely with Councillors to provide updates on strategic priorities and ongoing projects, while also mentoring and coaching staff on day-to-day matters related to planning, building services, economic development, and the administration of the County of Dufferin Museum.

2. How did you find your way into municipal work?  

I found my way into municipal work through an early interest in public service. At a young age, I was involved in local political campaigns, working with MPPs, which helped spark my interest in how communities are shaped through public policy.

3. What part of your work has the biggest impact on your community?  

At the County we focus on long range policy planning to help set the community up for future needs. We create the conditions for the community to grow in a thoughtful manner that is reflective of the geopolitical conditions, environmental conditions and economic conditions at the local, provincial, national and international levels.  

4. What is one moment, project, or accomplishment you’re proud of?  

The County of Dufferin Planning team won the Vision Award of Merit for the Master Housing Strategy (2024). This was a collaborative project involving many departments across the County and resulted in a visionary approach to reducing homelessness in the County by working towards both affordable and attainable housing options for residents.  

5. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your job? 

There is a lot of interconnectedness across departments and the need to communicate clearly the needs of your department in a given project are important as the needs of another stakeholder in the project may not be the same.  

6. What do you enjoy most about serving your municipality?

I enjoy the ability to volunteer on multiple different boards in the capacity of a board member and Council member. These organizations help shape the way in which the municipality grows and often times the perspectives of these boards are one rooted in lived experiences that equips me with the knowledge to make better policy and program suggestions for the community.  

7. What are you looking forward to in the year ahead?  

I am looking forward to a strong foundation of community as we move forward on a local, provincial and national scale. With consistent and clear communication, we can continue to plan for our communities in a conscious manner.