Associate Planner

kenora; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Kenora invites applications for an Associate Planner in Kenora, Ontario. This full-time, 18-month placement reports to the City Planner and supports statutory planning, community development, and policy preparation.

You will evaluate land use matters, coordinate with departments, and help engage the public in planning processes. The role requires a degree in urban planning (Master’s preferred) with 1–3 years municipal planning experience, CIC eligibility, and strong communication,

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Urban, Rural or Regional Planning, Master’s preferred.
• 1–3 years municipal planning experience.
• Eligible for CIC Planning membership; full membership preferred.
• Able to meet deadlines and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide planning information to staff and the public on procedures, zoning, land use and municipal policies.
• Review, process and evaluate land development applications per Planning Act and by-laws.
• Communicate with internal departments and external stakeholders.
• Review and sign off on planning and zoning matters related to business licenses.
• Prepare input for land development applications and policy proposals for senior staff.
• Design and implement public engagement tools and activities as prescribed by the Planning Act.
• Perform statutory duties of Secretary Treasurer of the City of Kenora Committee of Adjustment and Land Division Committee.
• Attend evening and weekend meetings as required.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Independent work

Multitasking

Education

Master’s degree in Urban/Regional Planning

Equivalent combination of related degree and experience

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

G License

Job description

City of Kenora

External Job Posting

Kenora provides a high quality of life for residents and unforgettable experiences for visitors by celebrating and embracing the community’s rich heritage, diversity, and natural environment.

Job Title: Associate Planner

Location: Kenora, Ontario

Division: Planning

Type: Full Time | Temporary 18 Month Placement

Salary: (PM 06) $95,194 – 111,714 per year

Closing Date: September 25, 2026

Please note that we encourage early applications as we may proceed with interviews and make offers to exceptional candidates before the closing date.

Reporting to the City Planner, the Associate Planner provides planning knowledge and expertise related to statutory planning and community development. Activities include: interpretation of relevant planning legislation, along with the evaluation of complex land use planning issues to ensure that growth and development is planned and managed for current and future generations.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides information and assistance to staff and the general public on planning-related matters including development procedures, zoning, land use, and municipal policies plans as they relate to planning.
• Accepting, reviewing, and processing land development applications including but not limited to applications for minor variances, applications for consent, application for Draft Plan of Condominium, Draft Plans of Subdivision, site plan control applications and agreements, etc. in accordance with the Planning Act, City By-laws, policies and procedures.
• Communicates with internal departments and external stakeholders.
• Reviews requests for zoning and building compliance. Prepares and signs compliance letters.
• Receives, processes and tracks requests for Letter of Comfort Applications and License of Occupation applications.
• Receives, processes and tracks Environmental Site Assessment Application requests.
• Reviews and signs off on planning and zoning matters related to Business Licenses.
• Contributes to the preparation of land development applications by providing input and advice to the City Planner.
• Designs and implements communication tools as prescribed by the Planning Act and initiated by the City to support public engagement and consultation events and activities.
• Conducts research on relevant planning matters; prepares qualitative and quantitative analysis to inform policy recommendations.
• Performs statutory duties of Secretary Treasurer of the City of Kenora Committee of Adjustment and Land Division Committee (Planning Advisory Committee).
• Works independently and as part of departmental and interdepartmental teams on the preparation of major studies, plans and policy proposals for recommendation to senior staff, administration and Council.
• Attends evening and weekend meetings (as required).
• Other related duties from time to time as required.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree in Urban, Rural or Regional Planning, preferably at the Master’s level. An equivalent combination of a directly related degree (e.g. geography, landscape architecture) combined with planning work experience may be considered.
• One (1) to three (3) years of demonstrated experience in municipal planning, real-estate or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eligibility for candidate membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners, or a willingness to work towards membership status (Full membership is preferred).
• Able to work independently, concisely, and accurately with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to balance multiple projects and priorities to bring projects to completion using sound judgment, initiative, and creativity in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment with minimal supervision.
• Effective analytical and critical systems thinking skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills including the ability to handle sensitive issues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that facilitate effective working relationships with colleagues, other departments, and clients.
• Ability to communicate effectively with strong written, listening, and presentation skills that promote understanding and clarity in a respectful manner.
• Proven related knowledge and experience in municipal planning and/or planning principles
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office including: Excel, Word and PowerPoint,
• Experience in mapping software including GIS would be an asset.
• A valid “G” Class Driver’s License with an acceptable Driver’s Abstract is required. This position may be required to operate a municipal vehicle for business purposes.

Successful candidates will be required to submit a criminal record check and professional references.

The City of Kenora is an equal opportunity Employer and committed to building a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the community we serve. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals including members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equitable employment, including but not limited to, Indigenous Peoples, members of racialized communities or visible minorities, persons with visible and/or invisible disabilities, diverse sexual and gender identities, orientations and/or expressions, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

The City of Kenora is committed to providing accommodation in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require an accommodation, please advise the Human Resources department in advance to ensure your participation in the recruitment and selection process.

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and is used to determine eligibility for potential employment.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process.
Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.