Play a central role in shaping land use planning decisions that influence how Ontario's fastest-growing urban communities evolve.
In this exciting land use planning role, you'll guide complex land-use planning files, support evidence-based decision-making, and collaborate with municipalities and partners across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Ontario is growing, and strong land use planning plays a critical role in building safe, strong and sustainable communities. At the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), we work closely with municipalities, Indigenous communities and partners across the province to support effective land use planning, strong local economies and a high quality of life for Ontarians.
As a Senior Planner (Land Use Planning) in the Community Planning and Development (Central Urban) Unit, you will lead complex land use planning files across Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan and Hamilton. You will provide planning analysis and advice that supports consistent, high quality provincial input and well reasoned recommendations on land use planning matters in Ontario's largest urban centres.
You will be part of a collaborative, inclusive team environment where shared learning and cross disciplinary collaboration are central to how work is delivered. Our office is welcoming and encouraging and offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of land use planning in Canada's most populous region. Our leadership team is approachable, kind, and dedicated to helping everyone succeed.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to high profile land use planning files and play a meaningful role in shaping Ontario's fastest growing communities, while continuing to build the experience and expertise that support longer term career growth.
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Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing | ontario.ca
About the job
As Senior Planner, you will:
• serve as a project lead on the review of municipal official plans at all stages, from preliminary implementation planning through impact analysis and effective project tracking
• review and analyze municipal planning documents and other planning initiatives for consistency with provincial interests
• provide sound planning advice and recommendations on behalf of the Ministry regarding implementation of provincial land use planning policy, legislation and programs
• consult with and build collaborative relationships with municipalities, ministries, Indigenous communities and stakeholders
• lead negotiations to resolve planning and policy issues
What you bring to the team
Technical knowledge
• knowledge of and experience in interpreting and applying land use planning systems and processes, policies, and legislation (e.g. the Provincial Planning Statement and, the Planning Act)
• knowledge of planning theories, principles, practices and standards and can testify as an expert in land-use planning matters before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) as necessary
Project management and organizational skills
• leadership and organizational skills to oversee multiple projects and manage diverse, multi-disciplinary teams from conception through to completion
• experience in assigning tasks, tracking progress, and reporting results effectively
Communication, negotiation and relationship management skills
• experience consulting and managing relationships with contacts at all levels, including ministries and stakeholders
• the ability to build consensus, negotiate, mediate, and resolve conflicts
• proficiency in documenting and sharing complex information with senior management, staff, ministries, and municipal planners
• the ability to create reports, briefing materials, and presentations
• skills in consulting, advising, and facilitating to develop and implement planning policies and programs with ministries and stakeholders
Research and analytical skills
• evaluate strategies, identify issues, and provide recommendations on planning matters
• conduct research and analyze findings to identify impacts and develop options
• perform complex studies and create models and plans for various planning activities
• assess policy changes, identify gaps, and evaluate their impacts
• prioritize issues and monitor financial performance and productivity
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
What we offer
The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:
• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups
This role comes with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes:
• a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement)
• group health, dental, life and disability benefits
• a range of vacation and leave options
• an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services
This position is based in a downtown Toronto office, offering convenient access to public transit and proximity to the energy and diversity of the downtown core.