John O’Neill

Rural Planner, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

John O’Neill is one of five Rural Planner’s with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and has been in this position since February 2008. In his role he provides support interpreting and implementing agricultural policies of the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), covering both the Northeast and Eastern regions of Ontario. These responsibilities include providing training on Ministry tools/guidance such as the Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Formula and Permitted Use Guidelines. During his time with OMAFRA, he has also taken a secondment with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) to work with the Provincial Policy Branch to support the review of the PPS. John completed his undergraduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Waterloo and later obtained a Masters degree in Urban Development from Ryerson University. He grew up on a farm east of the City of Belleville and has a long-standing interest in promoting and protecting agricultural resources.