Senior Planner (Land Use Planning)

Municipal Affairs and Housing / Affaires municipales et Logement; Toronto; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario's Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing seeks a Senior Planner (Land Use Planning) to lead complex files in Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan and Hamilton. You will provide planning analysis and recommendations, advancing provincial interests with municipalities and partners.

The role emphasizes collaboration, evidence-based decision making, and building strong communities across Ontario's urban regions.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of provincial planning policy and Planning Act.
• Ability to interpret planning documents and provide recommendations.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams on complex files.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex land use planning files across multiple municipalities.
• Provide planning advice to support provincial interests.
• Consult with municipalities, Indigenous communities and stakeholders.

Skills

Land use planning

Project management

Communication

Negotiation

Policy analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field

Professional planning designation (e.g., AICP/OPPI)

Tools

OLT experience

Job description

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.

Find us here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontario-ministry-of-municipal-affairs-and-housing/

Ontario.ca: 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