Community Planner (Temporary Full Time – June 2026 - September 2027)

Wasaga Beach, ON, Canada
Temporary
Plannning
Mid Level
(Existing Position)                                    

The Town of Wasaga Beach is seeking an energetic and self-motivated team player to perform the duties and responsibilities of the Community Planner.

General Responsibilities: Provide professional planning opinions and facilitate planning approvals for a range of development and policy applications in the Town of Wasaga Beach, including updates to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law, as well as reviews of private development proposals such as minor variances, consents, subdivisions/condominiums, and site plans. The role evaluates applications, coordinates with government bodies and stakeholders, consults with the community, and applies planning and urban design best practices to support the Town’s growth, land use, and safety objectives. It also provides recommendations to Council and senior staff while ensuring all decisions comply with Provincial Policy, the Planning Act, and municipal by-laws.

Qualifications:
  • Post secondary university degree relating to Urban and Regional Planning
  • Professional accreditation (e.g. RPP) preferred
  • Proven experience with municipal infrastructure, site functionality and urban design, with strong skills in: design, graphics and mapping; plans review, stormwater, lot grading and contract administration
  • Extensive knowledge of the Planning Act, the Official Plan, planning principles, the Provincial Planning Statement, along with construction related issues and budget
  • Exceptional organizational, project management, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, with an ability to interact between government and the private sector
  • Well-developed public relation skills and proven leadership ability
  • Must be a team player with a commitment to quality customer service
  • Proficient in database software, Windows, Outlook and Microsoft Office applications
  • Ability to work with and contribute positively to a service-oriented team
  • Valid Class ‘G’ Driver’s License and acceptable drivers’ abstract, and criminal records check in good standing
  • Ability to work evenings and/or weekends as necessary for attendance at Council/Committee meetings, public forums, etc.

Hourly Wage (35 hours per week): $50.92 - $59.57

Closing Date: April 16, 2026

JOB DESCRIPTION
 
Position: Community PlannerValue Group: 7
Department: Development ServicesEffective Date: January 1, 2007
Division: PlanningRevision Date: October 30, 2025
Reports To: Manager of PlanningHours of Work:  35 Hours / Week
 
POSTIONS RESPONSIBLE FOR:

None
 
JOB PURPOSE:

Provide professional planning opinion and facilitate planning approvals for general level development and policy applications and projects within the Town of Wasaga Beach. Development and policy applications and projects typically range from the creation, amendment and review of policy and regulatory documents, such as the Town’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law to the facilitation and review of private development proposals, such as minor variance and consent applications, plans of subdivision/condominium, residential and commercial site plan control applications to responding to inquiries from small businesses and individual residential land owners on matters such as simple building additions. 

The position reviews and evaluates typical development and policy applications and projects coordinating the interests of government authorities, agencies, and municipal departments, consulting with the community and ensuring that planning and urban design principles and best practice are used to achieve Town growth management, land use, built environment and health and safety goals and objectives. The position provides recommendations to Council and Senior Staff while ensuring the activities and decisions made by Town adhere to Provincial Policy, the Planning Act and municipal By-Laws.

The position reports to the Manager of Planning and the Director of Planning and provides limited guidance to the Planner position.
 
TASKS:                                                                                                                                      % of Time
 
  1. Review and Administration of Development Applications made under the
            Planning Act                                                                                                                    
    • Review, administer and analyze development applications, typically of a moderate level of complexity, including Consents, Variances, Site Plan Control Approvals, Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-Laws Amendments and Plans of Subdivision/Condominium
    • Coordinate and facilitate internal, agency, stakeholder and public consultation as required and incorporate feedback into the development review and approval process
    • Provide pre-consultation and preliminary planning comments to developers and advise of municipal approval, process and study requirements as may be applicable and identify major development issues to be addressed such as planning policy and zoning conformity, urban design and functionality, road widenings, municipal servicing, provision of parkland, fees and legal requirements
  • Negotiate with developers to establish acceptable uses, functional and well configured development proposals, residential densities, and urban design and/or development criteria
  • Communicate, report and provide professional planning opinions, along with recommendations as appropriate, in respect of development proposals and related matters to senior staff, Council, and governmental/agency/stakeholder partners as appropriate
  • Attend Ontario Land Tribunal and give evidence in the form of expert planning opinion in respect of Planning Act applications
    • Draft legal development agreements, including Site Plan Control Agreements, for signature by Mayor and Clerk and delegates as appropriate
    • Provide direction to the Town Engineer and Town Solicitor to assist with the approvals process
45%
  1.  Policy Development & Analysis                                                                          
  • Support Town-initiated planning policy studies and projects, including preparation of associated documents as appropriate, for such matters as Official Plan Updates, Secondary Plans, Zoning By-law reviews and Special Studies
  • Collaborate, consult and coordinate as directed, with approval authorities, agencies, consultants, technical staff and community stakeholders and the public as required or needed
  • Assist with the monitoring, review and analysis of:
    • i)   proposed provincial and regional policy initiatives and guidance
    • ii)  planning best practices and
    • iii) growth, demographic and development data
to identify and address emerging trends, maintain effective and compliant review
process and ensure appropriate implementation/achievement of the Town land
use policies and objectives
  • Communicate, report and provide professional planning opinions, along with recommendations as appropriate, on general planning policy matters and options to senior staff, Council, and governmental/agency/stakeholder partners as appropriate
  • Respond, as appropriate, to inquiries from internal staff, approval authorities, agencies, stakeholders and from the public regarding the Official Plan, ongoing policy projects, studies and other associated matters
25%
  1.   Respond to General Complaints/Inquiries                                                                  
  • Take complaints from general public relating to compliance matters, fences, outside storage, noise, property standards, illegal uses, parking of vehicles, overflowing garbage bins, late night nuisance calls, tree cutting or other topics as necessary
  • Respond to property inquiries regarding development, zoning and the official plan and/or special topics
  • Prepare Zoning and Site Plan Compliance letters and NVCA Certificates
  • Assist with zoning review for business licence applications.
15%
  1.   Town Initiated and Special Projects                                                                  
  • Assist municipality in town sponsored and special projects
  • Liaison and staff representative to Departmental and Municipal Committees and other groups and working bodies as assigned (e.g. participation on internal, external and inter-municipal working groups regarding land use planning related initiatives)
  • Undertake other duties as assigned to support team function, address operational needs and generally implement Town goals and objectives.
10%
  1.  Administers Protocols for Telecommunications/Energy Projects                     
  • Receives requests for telecommunications facilities and responds to same and public inquiries
5%
 
QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION:
  • Post secondary university degree relating to Urban and Regional Planning
  • Professional accreditation (e.g. RPP) preferred
  • Proven experience with municipal infrastructure, site functionality and urban design with strong skills in: design, graphics and mapping; plans review, stormwater, lot grading and contract administration
  • Extensive knowledge of the Planning Act, the Official Plan, planning principles, the Provincial Planning Statement, along with construction related issues and budget
  • Exceptional organizational, project management, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, with an ability to interact between government and the private sector
  • Well developed public relation skills and proven leadership ability
  • Must be a team player with a commitment to quality customer service
  • Proficient in database software, Windows, Outlook and Microsoft Office applications
  • Ability to work with and contribute positively to a service oriented team
  • Valid Class ‘G’ Driver’s License and acceptable drivers’ abstract and criminal records check in good standing
  • Ability to work evenings and/or weekends as necessary for attendance at Council/Committee meetings, public forums, etc.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION:
  • Member of Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP)
  • Member of Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI)
EXPERIENCE:
  • Five (5) years previous related job experience, two (2) years on the job. Minimum seven (7) years total relevant experience.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Effort: The physical demands outlined here reflect those necessary for an employee to effectively carry out the essential duties of this position. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities in performing these essential functions.

Physical Demands: The role requires frequent use of a computer, including typing and viewing a screen for prolonged periods. Occasional lifting of materials such as reports, plans, and presentation equipment may be required. Site visits may involve walking, standing, and navigating outdoor environments in various weather conditions.

Normal Hours of Work: Normal hours of work will be thirty-five (35) hours per week. Flexibility is required.

Physical Environment: Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with controlled conditions. Occasional work is conducted outdoors during site visits, which may expose the employee to varying weather conditions, construction noise, and uneven terrain.

Sensory Attention: High levels of sensory attention are required for reviewing detailed planning documents, maps, and technical drawings. The role demands sustained concentration for reading, analyzing, and preparing reports, as well as active listening and clear communication during meetings and public consultations.

Stress: The position involves moderate to high levels of stress due to tight deadlines, complex development applications, public and stakeholder expectations, and the need to balance competing interests. The role also requires presenting at public meetings and defending planning decisions, which may involve contentious or politically sensitive issues.
 
The Town of Wasaga Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free environment.  Accommodation will be provided in all steps of the hiring process, upon request.  Please advise the Town of Wasaga Beach Human Resources Department if you require any accommodations to ensure you can participate fully and equally during the recruitment and selection process.  We thank all applicants who apply for this position, but only those selected for interviews 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, 2001, S.O. 2001, Chapter 25, as amended, and will be used for the purpose of candidate selection.
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