Developer's Forum | Township of Bonfield

The Township of Bonfield will be hosting its first Developer’s Forum on Wednesday November 26, 2025.

This half-day event will take place at the Bonfield Community Center, located at: 100 Yonge St, Bonfield, ON P0H 1E0.

The forum seeks to bring together local investors, landowners, construction professionals, and public officials, for a half-day session of learning, information-sharing, and professional networking.

A locally prepared breakfast will also be served courtesy of the Dinner Bell.

The forum is FREE for all to attend; however, prior registration is required for catering purposes.

Breakfast will only be provided to those who register at least one week ahead of time.

RSVP your place today via the Eventbrite Page.

Why should you attend?

Bonfield is positioned for growth. Recent zoning changes have expanded development opportunities across the Township; meaning now is an ideal time for you to invest, build, and grow!

The Developer’s Forum will facilitate discussions on existing and proposed legislation and regulations at the provincial and local scales. It will provide an overview of recent planning policies and by-laws adopted by the Township of Bonfield, plus our regional development partners; and identify opportunities to access funding that supports new attainable housing options.

Join us to discover how you can support the Townships’ vision to Grow Bonfield Together!

Come hear from our experts!

Township of Bonfield

Simon Blakeley, Planning and Development Officer

Simon Blakeley
Planning / Economic Development
705-776-2641 Ext.126

Simon has over 20 years’ experience working for regional government agencies, non-profits, municipalities, and private businesses in the United Kingdom and the Province of Ontario. He emigrated to Canada in 2014, where he has since settled in the North Bay area.

Simon has wide-ranging experience, having practiced as a land use / strategic planner for more than 10 years, and also Economic Development-oriented roles for a further 10 years. He holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Environmental Design; an Undergraduate Degree in Geography and Planning; a Diploma in Business Administration; and several other post-graduate certificates in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability. He also recently successfully completed the AMCTO’s Primer on Planning Course and is on track to gain Ontario Professional Planning Institute (OPPI) certification - to replace the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) qualification he gained in the UK.

Simon is enjoying the opportunity to advance new sustainable economic growth by working in partnership with landowners and developers to advance new projects within the Township of Bonfield. He aims to apply his knowledge, practical experience, and regional connections to improve the quality of life of local residents - fostering enhanced resilience, while guiding and supporting new investment within the Township.

North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA)

Hannah Wolfram, Planning and Development Officer

Hannah Wolfram
Planning and Development Officer
705-474-5420 Ext. 2004

Hannah Wolfram is the Planning and Development Officer with the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA), and a designated Provincial Offences Officer under Sections 28 and 29 of the Conservation Authorities Act.

She holds a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Queen’s University and is a certified Erosion and Sediment Control Practitioner (ESCP) with experience developing, reviewing, and advising on erosion and sediment control plans.

Hannah has gained prior experience advising clients on regulatory compliance and industry best practices and has overseen various public engagement and stakeholder consultation exercises in different contexts, including as Program Coordinator with the Discovery Routes Trails Organization, and as a Field Biologist with FRi Ecological Services.

In her current role with the Conservation Authority, Hannah reviews and issues development permit applications under Ontario Regulation 41/24.

She also leads the Authority’s provincially delegated responsibility for natural hazard planning review and technical input on behalf NBMCA’s member municipalities.

District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB)

Adam Manella, Manager of Project Development

Adam Manella
Manager of Project Development
Cell: 705-491-5485
Office: 705-474-2151 Ext. 43240

Adam has over 10 years’ direct experience working in the housing sector where he has coordinated and led the delivery of new housing projects including multi-unit developments designed to meet the needs of the “missing middle”, plus other social programs which seek to address homelessness.

Adam has a background in International Development and Business. His early career took him around the world, where he focused his work on community housing initiatives in small, rural communities like Bonfield. He is further qualified in the design and installation of solar electric design systems and has previously developed small and large-scale solar projects.

Adam is now the Manager of Project Development at the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) where his work has focused on catalyzing projects, and securing funding, toward the construction of new affordable and attainable housing units throughout the District of Nipissing.

North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA)

Kris Rivard, Chief Building Official

Kris Rivard
Chief Building Official
Cell: 705-471-3010
Office: 705-474-5420 Ext. 2016

Kris Rivard is the Chief Building Official and Manager of the On-Site Sewage System Program at the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) where he is responsible for serving 23 municipalities, plus many unorganized territories, in the Parry Sound and Nipissing Districts.

Kris joined the NBMCA in 2018, where he initially assisted amendments to the Source Water Protection Program - before transitioning to the role of Sewage System Inspector. In that role, he oversaw a mandatory Maintenance Inspection Program to protect drinking water in Callander Bay; and implemented a new greywater system for cottages in Algonquin Park (to align with Cottage Lease Renewal requirements within the park’s boundaries).

Kris was born, raised, and educated in Northern Ontario, and is bilingual in French and English. He previously obtained a BA in Geography from Laurentian University, plus a postgraduate certificate from Canadore College in Environmental Studies. Aside from his work with the NMBCA, Kris has served as a municipal councilor for the Municipality of West Nipissing since 2022, becoming the youngest elected official in the Municipality’s history.

Institute for Northern Housing Innovation and McEwen School of Architecture

Steven Beites, Director and Assistant Professor

Steven Beites is a tenured Professor at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture, and the founding Director of the Institute for Northern Housing Innovation. Steven’s research lies at the intersection of advanced technology, sustainability, and social responsibility. His approach is deeply rooted in addressing issues of housing supply and affordability, at the same time as contributing to enhanced design quality, and an improved quality of life for all.

Through the newly formed Institute, Stephen is seeking to advance practical, community-driven solutions that enhance housing affordability and sustainability while strengthening the health, well-being, and resilience of people and communities across Northern Ontario.

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