Job Description

The Municipality of Central Elgin was formed in 1998, through the amalgamation of the Township of Yarmouth with the Villages of Belmont and Port Stanley. Central Elgin is a vibrant community located in the heart of Elgin County , with a population of nearly 15,000 people and is in close proximity to the City of St Thomas and the City of London. The community is made up of several unique neighborhoods, each offering its own unique charm and attractions.

With a combined operational and capital budget of over $47.5M and over 200 full and part-time employees, Central Elgin is committed to meeting the needs of residents and a thriving business community by delivering efficient and effective services.

Of significant interest is the expected future growth in Central Elgin’s commercial, industrial and residential sectors due to the recent announcement that Volkswagen will be building the world’s largest electric-vehicle battery plant in the region.

Supporting Community Growth through an in-house Planning Team

To support future growth in the region Central Elgin has announced plans to establish an in-house planning department, an important step that will support the community’s ongoing growth and long-term vision. By bringing planning functions in-house, the Municipality will facilitate planning processes through closer coordination with other internal departments, maintain responsiveness to residents, and ensure planning decisions are aligned with the community’s unique needs, strategic priorities, and overall municipal goals and Council’s vision of building vibrant, sustainable communities through thoughtful and locally informed development.

Your Opportunity to Make a Difference

As a Senior Planner , you will play a pivotal role in establishing the planning department's foundation, driving strategic initiatives, and providing expert guidance on complex planning matters. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing policies that align with Central Elgin's vision for sustainable growth and community development.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Department Development & Leadership:

• Identify and recommend innovative planning solutions to address Central Elgin's unique challenges and opportunities.
• Participate in strategic planning initiatives, helping to define the department's vision and goals; contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and workflows, to establish a strong and efficient planning framework.

Expert Planning Advice & Development Management:

• Manage and process complex development applications, including official plan amendments, zoning by-law amendments, site plan approvals, and subdivisions.
• Conduct thorough reviews of development proposals, ensuring compliance with the Ontario Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, and Central Elgin's by-laws.
• Provide expert planning advice to Council, Committees, and internal stakeholders; negotiate with developers, consultants, and other stakeholders to achieve positive planning outcomes.

Policy Development & Implementation:

• Conduct research and analysis on emerging planning issues and best practices.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of municipal planning policies and by-laws; prepare policy reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

Public Engagement & Consultation:

• Respond to inquiries from the public, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Organize and facilitate public meetings and consultations to gather community input on planning proposals and policies; prepare and present information to Council and Committees.

Project Management & Collaboration:

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and budget adherence while coordinating with internal departments and external agencies to ensure success.

Mentorship & Team Development:

• Contribute to the development of a positive and collaborative team environment; provide guidance to the junior team members and future planning staff.

Compliance & Best Practices:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the Ontario Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, and all other relevant legislation; Ensure projects adhere to current legislation and best practices.

Ideal Experience

• Planning: Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in municipal planning, including extensive knowledge of good land use planning principles as they relate to growth and development.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex planning and development services issues to consider and evaluate alternative solutions, develop conclusions, recommendations and courses of action.
• Teamwork: Proven ability to contribute effectively in a dynamic team environment.
• Resource Management: experience and ability managing projects and staff resources.
• Legislation: Strong knowledge of the Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, the Municipal Act, OLT regulations and other legislation that affect land use planning and development.
• Technical: Demonstrated knowledge of a range of planning software programs and GIS applications. Ability to read blueprints, business plans, CAD drawings and surveys.
• Relationship Management: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with staff, private and public stakeholders and community.
• Communications: Exemplary verbal and written communication skills including the ability to manage complex political relationships & speak in public forums.
• Education: University degree in Urban or Rural Planning, Environmental Studies or closely related discipline; Registered Professional Planner (RPP).

What we Offer

• Compensation and Benefits: A competitive salary, plus a comprehensive benefits package, and OMERS pension.
• Work-Life Balance and Hybrid Policy: Enjoy a combination of exciting projects and healthy work-life balance in a supportive business setting with an opportunity to work remotely up to 40%.
• Growth Opportunities: Expand your skills as you develop, with the chance to grow your career within a supportive and evolving municipality.
• Influence and Impact: You’ll be at the forefront of major community-building initiatives, helping shape policies that will drive our community's future.
• A Community That Cares: Be part of a vibrant community with a strong sense of identity, engaged citizens, and a shared commitment to progress.

How to Apply

To explore this opportunity please apply via email as soon as possible to careers@waterhousesearch.net quoti ng proj e ct CE-Se nior Planner. Should you wish to speak to our Executive Recruiter or to receive a detailed position description please contact Jon Stungevicius at 416-214-9299 x1, jon@w aterhousesearch.net.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

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