David has over five decades of experience in urban planning, transportation, policy, government relations, and strategic advice; primarily in the Municipal and Provincial sectors.
David started his career at Damas and Smith Consulting Engineers in 1973 as a Transportation/Urban Planner.
Starting in 1974, he has held various positions at the Region of Halton, including Planner, Senior Planner, Manager of Policy and Transportation, Senior Advisor, and Project Manager. McLeary led teams responsible for preparing several regional plans, transportation, economic and technical studies/plans and front-end financing schemes. In 1986, he designed and managed the Halton Urban Structure Review and Plan establishing a comprehensive 30-year growth and infrastructure investment plan which continues as a foundation for all growth and land development to this day.
In 1999, he joined the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to advise on the download of Provincial infrastructure, the establishment of the Great Toronto Services Board, Metrolinx and other governance matters.
McLeary chaired a Regional working group that prepared the seminal report “Transportation Funding in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton Wentworth,” which led to the transfer of $0.20 per litre of gas tax to municipalities. He also conceptualized, established, and secured funding for the Niagara Bi-National Economic Roundtable.
In 2004, David move to the office Corporate Counsel, to lead the defence of the Official Plan before the OMB. He managed witnesses, formulated defence strategies, collaborated with external counsel, and negotiated settlements approved by the Council and the OMB.
In 2007, after 34 years in Halton, David retired to join the Toronto Board of Trade as Municipal Affairs Advisor, preparing a response to the Toronto Budget, proposing new revenue tools, and exploring public-private partnerships.
In 2008, David joined Strategycorp as a Senior Consultant, advising clients from both the public and private sectors. He co-authored a report that led to the establishment of Rouge Urban National Park, advised a Canadian retailer to secure a rare zoning order for a $600 million distribution centre, and guided an international corporation in developing renewable energy projects in Ontario.
In 2015, David became a Senior Advisor with Strategycorp in its Municipal/Land Practice where is continues to provide advice to public, private sector and non-profit clients.
His scholarly contributions include articles in the OPPI Journal, ReNew Magazine, and Municipal World, as well as papers on Aggregate Resources Management and the Places to Grow Plan. He also served on the U of W School of Environmental Studies’ Pragma Council and has received awards/recognition for his contributions to issues and crisis management, public-private partnerships, and engineering.
