Position Summary

Under the direction of the Manager, Planning Services, the Planner is responsible for a broad range of duties including, but not limited to, the review, circulation, and processing of policy and development applications under the Planning Act, authoring staff reports, issuing compliance letters, and preparing development agreements. The Planner is responsible for zoning review for building permits and responding to daily customer/resident inquiries. This role will also be responsible for assisting in strategic land use planning initiatives and conducting research. Finally, the Planner will assist in or be responsible for the processing of Committee of Adjustment applications.

Duties & Responsibilities

Processing Applications

• Review and process Pre-Submission Review Applications for proposed Planning Act This includes preparing the Record of Pre-submission Review, to identify the reports, studies, and drawings to be submitted as part of a Complete Application, as well as hosting Pre-Submission Review meetings.
• Review and process Planning Act applications such as Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, Plans of Subdivision, Site Plan Control, Part Lot Control, Lifting of Holding Symbol, Minor Variance, and Consent to Sever.
• Evaluate reports, studies, and drawings for consistency or compliance with applicable provincial and upper-tier policies, regulations, or legislation. Conduct site visits as required to verify reports and investigate planning context.
• Prepare presentations and staff reports to articulate a planning opinion and recommendation regarding the approval/refusal/deferral of Planning Act applications, including applications to the Committee of Adjustment.
• Prepare and present professional planning evidence at Ontario Land Tribunal.

Administration

• Provide input on the preparation of special studies related to development planning issues and municipal policy or by-law changes including general amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law where necessary.
• Review Building Permit applications for compliance with Zoning By-law.
• Administer requirements of the Planning Act, including circulating forms and Notices.
• Prepare Compliance letters.
• Assist the Executive Director and Manager with the collection and analysis of research information for strategic land use planning initiatives or economic development.
• Attend internal/corporate meetings, participate in public engagement events, and represent the municipality at external meetings and events.
• Develop, lead, and participate in public engagement and consultation events for Planning Act applications as well as strategic initiatives.
• Assist in the maintenance and consolidation of planning documents.
• Assist the Executive Director, Community and Growth and Manager, Planning Services with economic development initiatives.
• Review and prepare responses to information requests from local and provincial planning authorities on planning matters.
• Assist Municipal Law Enforcement with investigations as it relates to compliance with Town By-laws.

Customer Service

• Maintain effective and co-operative liaison with developers, professional consultants, Council members, municipal staff and the general public.
• Respond to verbal and written requests for information on permitted uses and compliance with the Official Plan and Zoning By-law
• Respond to public inquiries over counter, phone, email and monitor the departmental inbox.

Committee Participation

• Attend and participate in Committee meetings, including but not limited to Committee of Adjustment and the Heritage Committee, as required by the Executive Director, Community and Growth, and the Manager, Planning Services.

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 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

• Degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies/Science, Geography or related.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, preferably in a Municipal environment.
• Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation in progress is an asset.
• Strong working knowledge of the Planning process in Ontario, including the Planning Act, land use planning procedures, Municipal Act and other provincial legislation and policies.
• Ingenuity, integrity, and creativity with strong communication, interpersonal, analytical, writing, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, administrative, organizational, time management and communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and BlueBeam.
• Understanding of GIS fundamentals and GIS software.

Please visit our website for further information. The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check, in accordance with the duties of this position.

This IBEW Local 636 union position offers competitive total compensation including hiring hourly wage rate of $32.90 (hourly range up to $41.12), OMERS pension, 8 paid sick days and 18 discretionary paid days per year.   

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.

This posting closes on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 @ 11:59 p.m.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, and will only be used for candidate selection.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the diverse population we serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized people, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as LGBTQ2S+.

The Town of Midland is committed to providing accommodation based on any human rights protected grounds and in accordance with the AODA, throughout the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation, please notify us when contacted for an interview and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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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