Town names new building chiefs to speed up permits and inspections

Fort Erie has filled two senior posts that control building permits, inspections, code enforcement and occupancy approvals, giving the town tighter control over development applications during a period of continued growth.

The town appointed Luciano Chieca as chief building official and promoted Caleb Storring to deputy chief building official. The appointments place both men inside a division that enforces the Ontario Building Code, municipal bylaws and construction standards at a time when Fort Erie continues to manage development pressure and awaits clarity on new provincial housing rules.

The chief building official oversees permits, plan reviews, inspections, demolition files and final occupancy approvals. The role also carries power to issue orders when construction work fails to meet safety rules.

Chieca brings more than 20 years of experience in municipal building services, code enforcement and leadership. He will lead the town’s Building Services division and advise senior staff and council on building policy, construction standards and regulatory duties.

“I am honoured to join the Town of Fort Erie as chief building official and look forward to working with council, staff, and the community to support responsible growth, maintain high service standards, and build a strong future together,” said Chieca in a statement on Wednesday.

His job also covers staff leadership, training, budgeting and service standards inside the department. The town said the appointment supports its 2023-to-2026 strategic plan goal of sustainable and managed growth.

Storring, a long-time Fort Erie resident, has more than eight years of experience with the town’s Building Services division. His new role will support building code administration, inspections, compliance work and daily division leadership.

“Having been born and raised in Fort Erie, it is a privilege to serve my hometown in this new capacity. I look forward to working with our community to support safe and responsible growth,” said Storring.

The appointments come two days after Fort Erie council directed staff to submit formal comments on the province’s Bill 98, the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act.

Town staff told council Monday the bill could affect Fort Erie’s newly adopted official plan, limit studies municipalities can require from development applicants and force municipalities to allow urban residential lots as small as 175 square metres.

Director of Planning, Building and Bylaw Services Anamika Dilwaria said the new building leadership strengthens the town’s ability to handle responsible development and maintain service standards.

“Luciano and Caleb bring a strong combination of leadership, technical expertise, and local knowledge. Their appointments strengthen our ability to support responsible development while maintaining the high standards our community expects,” said Dilwaria.

Fort Erie’s formal comments on Bill 98 will be sent to the province. The province has yet to approve the town’s updated official plan.

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