The City of Port Colborne, located on the south coast of the scenic Niagara region, Niagara’s Port of Call has found the perfect balance – successful industrial and commercial sectors, comfortable and scenic residential areas, white sand beaches, unique culinary choices, the world class Sugarloaf Marina, fishing, golfing, trails, shopping districts along the historic Welland Canal – truly a community that adds to the overall Niagara Experience.

Under the direction of the Chief Planner, the Planning Manager will primarily be responsible for the interpretation, preparation and formulation of planning policies, by-law provisions and reports on planning matters in accordance with sound planning practice and policies.  As well, the Planning Manager will guide development proposals through the municipal approvals process; to liaise with provincial and regional government agencies; and to generate solutions to planning and development issues.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Evaluates all development proposals (rezoning applications, subdivision plans, and large scale commercial, industrial and residential developments).
• Evaluates land use policy matters.
• Prepares reports on issues arising from development proposals, land use policy issues.
• Provides comment on City proposals to dispose of surplus lands.
• Recommends solutions to proponents, Chief Planner, Director and Council, presents reports and gives evidence to Committee, Council, OLT hearings and others as required.
• Negotiates with developers and individuals to resolve issues concerning property acquisition and sales (floodplain, park dedication, drainage courses, easements), conditions of approvals, special conditions to be imposed in agreements, and the settlement of objections or appeals to City policies and By-laws.
• Develops and manages public consultation processes for land development matters and conducts public meetings.
• Prepares Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments, subdivision agreements, site plan agreements, development agreements, pre servicing agreements, and authorizing by-laws.
• Supervises the preparation of background research graphic materials.
• Attends and provides expert testimony at OMB hearings as required. 
• Coordinates and participates in studies and planning projects with other agencies and other municipalities; develops and recommends solutions to inter-agency problems; recommends the retention of consultants and provides direction to consultants retained by the City as required.
• Acts for the Chief Planner in their absence.
• Supervises the Planning Technician/Secretary Treasurer and Planner by checking completed assignments and duties.
• Supervise the processing and responding to all lawyers’ letters and zoning compliance certificates by the Planning Technician.
• Ensures compliance with zoning bylaws and planning proposals.
• Ensure that all records, plans, and files respecting planning applications by the Planning Technician are complete, accurate and stored accordingly.
  Ensures Official Plan compliance with Provincial and Regional policy documents, as well as leading compliance reviews. 
• Evaluates land use policy matters, including Secondary Plans, Special Policy Areas, and Special Projects.
• Prepares reports on issues arising from land use policy issues.
• Monitors growth forecasts and evaluates the City’s intensification targets.
  Recommends solutions to proponents, Chie Planner, Director and Council, presents reports and gives evidence to Committee, Council, OLT hearings and others as required.
• Responsible for the regular review of Community Improvement Programs, as well as their implementation.
  Negotiates with developers and individuals to resolve issues concerning property acquisition and sales.
  Develops and manages public consultation processes for policy related matters and conducts public meetings.
• Supervises the preparation of background research graphic materials.
• Coordinates and participates in studies and planning projects with other agencies and other municipalities; develops and recommends solutions to inter-agency problems; recommends the retention of consultants and provides direction to consultants retained by the City as required.
• Work in conjunction with Economic Development to develop potential opportunities.
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A University Degree in Urban Planning, or related discipline, preferably at the Masters level.
• Seven (7) years experience in Municipal Planning and Development of which four (4) years experience must be in a supervisory capacity.
  Current certification in the Province of Ontario as a Registered Professional Planner.  Membership in OPPI/CIP is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Possess a high skill level in supervisory and project management.
• Understand and manage high profile, sensitive or controversial political situations.
• Effective and persuasive leadership skills, must be comfortable interacting with all levels of staff, the public and others.