Career Center

Join our innovative team of collaborators who are passionate about providing exceptional municipal services to our community. We strive to help our employees to reach their professional goals through rewarding projects, collaborative team environments, and professional development. The Town of Midland is committed to increasing overall employee health and wellness and we are dedicated to supporting flexibility and providing employees with a better work-life balance.

This posting closes on Sunday, November 26, 2023 @ 11:59 p.m.

Application: If you are interested in this opportunity, apply directly through our ADP Applicant Tracking System (ATS).  Instructions on how to apply to this opportunity (or other postings) can be found on our website. No phone calls please.

Position Summary 

Under the direction of the Executive Director, Community and Growth, the Manager of Planning Services coordinates the evaluation of development applications received by the Town, provides direction and counsel on development proposals and acts as a liaison for internal departments, provincial and federal governments, agencies and stakeholders. The Manager of Planning Services coordinates long-range plans, policies, and special studies that guide the future growth of the municipality. This position conducts planning research, including the collection and analysis of statistical and demographic data and participates in the Town’s growth planning process.

Duties and Responsibilities

Planning Services

• Manage day-to-day planning activities relating to land use planning, development review, and heritage. Administer and prepare the Town’s planning documents including the Official Plan, Heritage and Zoning By-laws; ensure OPA, ZBA and SPA files are processed within the specified time frames.
• Oversee and manage the processing of a wide range of Planning Act land use control and development applications such as plans of subdivision/condominium, site plans, Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments, Part lot control exemptions, Deeming By-law approvals, and other applications for development in accordance with Town, Regional and Provincial requirements.
• Negotiate and facilitate or reach a resolution regarding complex issues and disputes on behalf of the municipality in the development review and approval process. Represent the Town at Ontario Land Tribunals to defend professional opinion or decisions made by Council or Committee of Adjustment.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies on Planning files to identify solutions to reported issues and arrive at a conclusion.
• Undertake or manage Town initiated planning studies and/or general amendments to the Zoning By-law. Provide recommendations or opinions regarding matters of compliance with legislation to staff and members of the Committee.
• Determine fulfilment of “Complete Application” requirements pursuant to the Planning Act of Ontario, and Town By-laws upon receipt of Planning Act applications.
• Issue draft plan approval and conditions of approval on plans of subdivision and condominium through delegated authority of Council; review and make required changes, alterations, additions or deletions to conditions of approval for same, and give final approval of plans for registration at the Land Registry Office, pursuant to the Planning Act of Ontario and Town By-laws.
• Assist with the periodic comprehensive reviews and updates of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law and ensure the ongoing consolidation of amendments to the Zoning By-law.
• Prepare or review amending/adopting by-laws and agreements for Council approval and registration.
• Oversee preparation, conduct reviews and monitor implementation of Terms of Reference, and Urban Design Guidelines and Architectural Control Guidelines.
• Monitor planning-related trends and planning activities at the Provincial, Regional and local municipal level, including matters such as Ontario Land Tribunal decisions, legislative/ regulatory changes, new initiatives in other municipalities, zoning standards, etc., Provide input, advice, interpretation on how these may affect the Town, and if necessary, recommend policy or procedure directions for implementation.
• Prepare reports, make recommendations, and represent the Planning Services division at council meetings as required.
• Draft Planning related procedures for approval by the Department Head. Monitor and ensure that all operating procedures, policies and records are created, managed and adhered to. Monitor and ensure all technical, statistical and other pertinent data are maintained as required.
• Prepare and/or present reports/recommendations to Council on current development applications and other planning matters including but not limited to Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments, plans of Subdivision and /Condominium.
• Undertake special projects and perform other duties as assigned, in accordance with corporate objectives.

Committee Support/Administration

• Manage and oversee the functions and operations of the Pre-Consultation Review Process, including, but not limited to, conducting pre-consultation meetings with proponents and identifying Planning Act application submission requirements through delegated authority of Council.
• Manage and oversee the statutory functions and administration of the Committee of Adjustment, including the processing of applications (i.e., land division/lot creation, granting of easements, minor variance approval, power of sale, validation of title), the preparation and/or review of public notices, the review and evaluation of applications through staff reports, and the preparation of meeting minutes, decisions and related correspondence and legal.
• Provide support to committees of council and oversee planning development review meetings with the assistance of administrative staff.
• Provide advice, interpretation, and recommendations in response to enquiries. Review and/or resolve complaints/concerns from the general public, internal departmental staff, consultants, elected officials, community/special interest/ratepayer groups, real estate agents, appraisers, the development community and other levels of government on municipal land use-planning, development applications, new or pending legislation and regulatory guidelines, and other planning matters.
• Attend Council, Committee, Public Hearing, Committee of Adjustment, community/stakeholder and other public meetings as necessary; make presentations and provides advice/guidance on municipal land-use planning, development applications, new or pending legislation and regulatory guidelines, and other planning matters.
• Prepare and monitor annual financial budgets for Planning, Heritage Committee and Committee of Adjustment.
• Research, prepare and provide expert witness and other testimony as Professional Planner as may be required for Ontario Land Tribunal, court and/or other tribunals or judicial proceedings.
• Develop and maintain database-tracking systems for development application processing, approved official plan amendments and zoning by-law amendments.

Department Leadership

• Plan, develop, and implement departmental goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; review and evaluate work methods and procedures for improving organizational performance, enhancing services, and meeting goals; ensure that goals are achieved.
• Ensure proper and effective staffing through recruitment and selection, learning and development processes, as well as provide direct supervision, mentoring, coaching and development of staff.
• Evaluate the performance of and provide training and development opportunities for staff.
• Manage and coordinate the professional services that are purchased by the Department including independent contractors and service providers.
• Develop and have full responsibility for administration of the assigned budget(s).
• Work in compliance with, and ensure staff are knowledgeable of and in compliance with, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, WHMIS, applicable legislation, regulations, statutes, departmental policies/procedures/practices, operational guidelines, and performs safe work practices.

Team Member

• Work as a team player promoting a positive and professional work environment and conduct role with integrity and respect.
• Act as an Ambassador throughout the community, positively representing the Town.
• Abide by the policies and procedures of the Town.
• Abide by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and work in a manner that is safe, reporting incidents immediately to direct supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned in order to meet the overall goals and objectives of the Town.
• Operate within the culture and core values of the organization.
• Maintain knowledge and expertise in relevant fields.

Qualifications and Requirements

• University Degree in Land Use Planning or an Honours Degree in a Planning related program from an accredited University.
• Full membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI).
• Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation.
• Seven (7) years of progressive experience in municipal land-use planning in an urban growth/rural environment, with particular emphasis on policy and development planning, including a minimum of three (3) years of supervisory and leadership experience, preferably in a public service environment.
• Strong knowledge of Zoning By-laws, Official Plans, the Planning Act, as well as other applicable Legislation Acts, regulations, and local government functions and responsibilities.
• General knowledge of public policy, practices and current issues affecting local government.
• Strong commitment to external and internal customer service.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive/confidential or confrontational topics in a political environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build high levels of credibility within diverse work groups as well as the ability to develop productive partnerships with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities, often with conflicting timelines.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, BlueBeam, and CloudPermit.

About Town of Midland

Join our innovative team of collaborators who are passionate about providing exceptional municipal services to our community. Ranked as one of the top 100 communities in Canada by Maclean’s magazine in 2021, Midland is a culturally rich town with idyllic surroundings and strong sense of community. We strive to help our employees to reach their professional goals through rewarding projects, collaborative team environments, and professional development. We encourage our employees to present their innovative ideas and solutions to better serve our community. The Town of Midland is committed to increasing overall employee health and wellness. We are dedicated to supporting flexibility and providing employees with a better work-life balance. As a lower tier municipality within the County of Simcoe, the Town of Midland delivers a full range of municipal services. Midland offers quality affordable living in a desirable part of the province. Work/life balance includes easy access to Georgian Bay along with four season recreational pursuits.

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