Summary of Duties

Reports to and carries out work under the direction of a designated Planning Manager; provides advice and direction on urban design issues and policy; prepares, processes, reviews and analyzes urban design planning policies, guidelines and programs; reviews and processes Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, and/or subdivision applications, and formulates recommendations thereon; advises various organized bodies and individuals on the principles and tribunal hearings; represents the Planning Division on various Committees and Advisory Committees and meetings; directs the work of Planners and Technicians in the carrying out of these duties.

Work Performed

Coordinates and performs urban design review processes and provides recommendations relating to the results of these processes.

Using various drawing and graphic techniques, prepares designs, or re-designs, of buildings, landscapes, open spaces, subdivisions patterns and other land use plans that are typically addressed through the City’s Planning Department.

Participates in and/or leads team projects that involve one or more urban design or planning issues.

Researches, develops and recommends urban design policies, guidelines and design programs. Undertakes special studies as required as basis for policy development and formulation.

Prepares design character statements, design briefs, design evaluation documents and other reports relating to design review and recommendations.

Provides input and advice to Planners, applicants, and Council relating to site plans, variances, zoning amendments, Official Plan amendments, plans of subdivision and other development applications related to urban design matters.

Prepares and coordinates programs, projects and processes which influence private and public urban design decisions.

Identifies, analyzes and resolves urban design problems in Official Plan & zoning amendment applications, minor variance and consent applications, site plan proposals, plans of subdivision, area planning, etc.

Advises City Departments on municipal urban design matters.

Processes and evaluates Official Plan amendments, Zoning By-law amendments and/or subdivision applications for all types of land uses; applies planning principles and policies to ensure development conforms with the Official Plan; develops implementation policies and prepares amendments to the Zoning By-law; evaluates social, economic and environmental factors related to such proposals; negotiates with and coordinates the input from developers and federal agencies, and the general public on the details of planning and development proposals and amendments; prepares reports and recommendations pertaining to planning and development proposals and amendments.

Supplies planning information, provides advice on municipal planning principles and policies, and liaises with applicants, agents, planning consultants, citizen groups, organized bodies, the general public, various government agencies and elected municipal officials, other municipal departments and agencies and others.

Assists in the development of work plans and instructs and advises other Planners, Technicians and planning students on matters related to assignments, assigning project priorities and managing projects to completion.

Provides Planning Managers, Site Plan Staff, and Planners, as required, with specialized advice and expertise on planning matters.

Attends meetings of Planning Committees, other Standing Committees, Advisory Committees and citizen groups as required to seek input from, and present reports on urban design and planning studies, projects and other matters, or to provide information and advice on planning matters.

Coordinates the City’s Urban Design Awards process, including the associated Awards Ceremony.

Gives professional evidence before the Ontario Municipal Board, other Boards and Commissions and the Courts.

Maintains professional knowledge in applicable areas and keeps abreast of changes in job-related rules, statutes, laws and new business trends; makes recommendations for the implementation of changes; reads and interprets professional literature; attends training programs, workshops and seminars as appropriate.

Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other civic employees and the public using principles of good customer service.

Works within and/or leads team projects – ranging from Divisional teams to inter-departmental teams.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience

Masters degree in Urban Design, or equivalent.

Eligible for Membership to the Ontario Professional Planners Institute

Specialized Training & Licenses

Skills and abilities in the following areas are necessary:

Previous work experience (4-5 years) in urban design with experience with municipal design review practices.

Compensation and Other Information

$57,449- $83,504 (Level 15)

This is a permanent position being filled on a temporary basis for up to 18 months.

Current hours of work: Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

These hours of work are subject to change in accordance with the Collective Agreement and may include evening hours and Saturdays.

NOTE: Applicants may be required to complete a job related test. 

Our hiring process is in accordance with the  Mandatory Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Administrative Policy

As an inclusive employer, we are committed to providing a fully accessible recruitment process. Please contact us at any time during the recruitment process and let us know what accessible supports you may need.