Join us to shape the future of St. Catharines!

About the City:

At the City of St. Catharines, we are committed to realizing the vision outlined in The City of St. Catharines - Strategic Plan 2023 to 2027. Our goal is to cultivate a city that thrives on safety, innovation, sustainability, and caring, not just for today, but for generations to come. Join our team and be part of a meaningful journey to shape the future of our community, leaving a lasting impact that extends far beyond the present.

What You Will be Doing:

The Planner is a critical position within the Planning team and may be responsible for a wide variety of duties, including but not limited to:

Land Use Policy and Zoning

• Undertake and/or manage required studies to establish land use policies for the City including official plan policies, secondary plan policies, special studies to implement priority land use goals and objectives, and implement zoning by-laws accordingly.    
• Measure and monitor relevant data relating to key indicators (population, demographics, jobs, new development etc.) to determine land use policy directions.
• Participate in and inform land use policy initiatives by the Region of Niagara, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Niagara Escarpment Commission and similar agencies with a land use mandate that impacts the City.
• Manage the agency circulation and public process on related projects including open houses, information meetings, and presentations and briefings to various internal and external stakeholders, including Council.

Land Development Review and Approvals

• Pre-consultation and determination of all requirements for a complete planning application.
• Circulation and coordination of internal and external comments.
• Undertaking public consultation including open houses.
• Drafting of information and recommendation reports to Council.
• Drafting of amending by-laws to the official plan and zoning by-law.
• Draft agreements including site plan agreements, development agreements and servicing agreements.
• Review applications to the Committee of Adjustment, coordinate internal and external comments, and draft recommendation reports for consideration by the Committee of Adjustment and presentation of same to the Committee.

Community Improvement Program

• Review and recommend for approval applications for various community improvement financial incentives in accordance with the approved Community Improvement Plan and approved CIP financial incentive programs.
• Manage approved CIP applications including preparation of agreements, review and approval of documentation of eligible costs, coordination with Region of Niagara (where the Region is a partner in CIP funding), Financial Management Services and the applicant.

General

• Responds to general inquiries relating to the planning mandate.
• Routine updating and maintenance of data in the property data management system (AMANDA).
• Provide guidance, support and direction to members of the Planning team, as required.
• Keep up to date and informed on new legislation, changing provincial and regional land use policy, emerging trends and best practices.  
• Presentations to Council.
• On matters subject to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), prepare written submissions and presentation oral evidence, if need be.

These responsibilities outline the principal functions of the position and serve as a guiding vision for the role's impact and contribution.

About You:

Qualifications:

• A degree from a recognized University in Planning, or a university degree in a related discipline recognized by the Ontario Professional Planning Institute (OPPI) or the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) (such as Geography, Urban Studies or similar program).
• Membership in the Ontario Professional Planning Institute (OPPI) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), preferred.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning, preferred.

Skills:

• Superior communication skills, both verbal, written, and presentation skills are essential.
• Demonstrated skills in effectively chairing a meeting (meetings with staff, agencies, open houses etc.)
• Current knowledge of the Planning Act, Provincial Land Use policy and other related legislation.
• Knowledge and experience in research and study methodologies.
• The ability to formulate and implement policy statements derived from technical reports.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Working knowledge of the property data management system, AMANDA, or similar system, and Microsoft Office.
• Demonstration of superior customer service skills.

Other Requirements:

• Proven completion of Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness training. 
• A demonstrated commitment to enhancing a safety culture.
• Proof of education will be required upon hire.