Planner

The Township of Champlain is seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to fill the position of Urban Planner.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer and working closely with other Department Heads, this position is responsible for the development, recommendation, and implementation of planning policies, strategies, and by-laws to guide the future growth of the municipality. This position will also work closely with Senior Staff and Council to attract and retain new and existing industries, businesses, and services for the purpose of expanding the economy of the community.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide Council, the Chief Administrative Officer and Township staff with advice and recommendations on all matters related to the functions and activities of the Township’s planning including:
  • The development and administration of the Township’s official plan review process.
  • The development and administration of the Township’s zoning by-law review process to ensure it conforms to the official plan and meets the current standards and regulations.
  • Review and process development applications such as official plan amendments, zoning by-law amendments, plans of subdivision, site plans and their related agreements.
  • Prepare site plan control agreements and coordinate the review of site plans with internal departments and outside agencies.
  • • Complete site inspections, when necessary, of any property that is the subject of planning applications.
    • Responsible with the Chief Building Official, for completion of Compliance reports for zoning and building matters.
    • Key staff resource to the Committee of Adjustment on planning matters.
    • Administer and enforce the Municipality’s Official Plan, Zoning By-law, site plan control, and subdivision agreements, including the processing of complaints, violations, court appearances, and monitoring of same.
    • Responsible for leading the development review of the new Official Plan and Zoning By-law for the municipality.
    • Prepare reports and recommendations to Council and the Chief Administrative Officer regarding the activities, programs, and projects attached to the planning function.
    • Maintain effective and cooperative liaison with the public, senior representatives of other municipalities, agencies, and employers, other levels of government, consultants, developers, contractors, community groups, etc.
    • Meet regularly with the public, developers, contractors, etc. to discuss, receive and/or review different planning applications.
    • Prepare estimates for the planning functions and the follow-up administration of the revenues and expenses.
    • Work cooperatively with local, regional, and provincial partner groups/agencies, actively promoting and encouraging all types of growth and development opportunities for the Township.
    • Explore all possible areas of funding to ensure that the maximum amount of grants and subsidies is obtained.
    • Establish an effective evaluation process to determine the extent to which programs, initiatives, and new investments have been valid and cost-effective.
    • Determine the economic development needs of the region in consultation with other members of the community and develop realistic plans of action that will meet the region’s requirements.
    • Coordinate activities with other various provincial and/or municipal government organizations as they may relate to the promotion of tourism and economic development.
    • During an emergency, declared or otherwise, staffing requirements can be critical. The employee will be available to work irregular hours performing normal tasks or others, as assigned.
    • Contribute to the Township’s senior management team in establishing objectives in developing and implementing policies and programs.
    • Develop, implement, review, update and enforce municipal by-laws and Provincial Laws, where required.
    • Respond to questionnaires, surveys, and other requests for information related to planning and/or economic development matters.
    • Attend all meetings with Senior Staff and Council.
    • Ensure the safe operation, maintenance, and management of all office data processing, duplicating, computer and telephone equipment, and drafting equipment.
    • Prepare, administer, and reconcile the department’s operational and capital budgets.
    • Ensure that all revenues of the department are collected and that all grants and subsidy payments are applied for on time and in appropriate form.
    • Be a member of the internal Accessibility Working Group.
    • Perform other duties as directed, and undertake special projects as assigned by the Chief Administrative Officer.
    • During emergencies, declared or otherwise, staffing requirements can be critical. This position requires to be available to work irregular hours performing normal tasks or others, as needed.

• A member in good standing or eligible to become a member of the Canadian Institute of Planning and/ or of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the Planning Act and other related legislation (e.g., Municipal Act, etc.) and regulations as they apply to the Planning Department.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills are required to interact with management, staff, committee members, Council, Senior government officials, and the public.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills in both official languages.
• Good analytical skills to initiate and execute programs, to identify and resolve problems, and to formulate policies and procedures relevant to same.
• Some budgeting knowledge would be an asset.
• A sound working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation programs.
• Must provide a satisfactory current Police Criminal Record Check as a condition of employment.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Required Education and Experience

• A university degree in planning or an equivalent combination of education and experience will be accepted.
• Sound municipal experience with a minimum of five (5) years experience in planning with an eagerness to continue to develop professionally.
• Ability to interpret maps, aerial photographs, legal documents, plans of subdivision, etc.
• Ability with collection and analysis of economic and other data to support informed decisions on business development issues, and to ensure a clear understanding of the local economic landscape.