The City of Port Colborne, located on the south coast of the scenic Niagara region, Niagara’s Port of Call has found the perfect balance – successful industrial and commercial sectors, comfortable and scenic residential areas, white sand beaches, unique culinary choices, the world class Sugarloaf Marina, fishing, golfing, trails, shopping districts along the historic Welland Canal – truly a community that adds to the overall Niagara Experience. 

The City of Port Colborne is seeking an energetic and dedicated individual to join our team as a Planner in the Planning and Development Services division. As Planner you will process, review and comment on assigned planning matters including notices, record keeping and circulations and follow up on the same in accordance with the established municipal procedures and relevant provincial legislation in area of Divisional responsibility. 

Under the direction of the Senior Planner and the Chief Planner, you will:

  • Act as Secretary and professional staff support to Heritage Port Colborne (LACAC) including preparation of reports to Council, minutes, record keeping; attending meetings and preparation of designation process documents as per the requirements of The Ontario Heritage Act.
  • Organize public meetings and forums as required and attend/represent the Division at same, as required by the Chief Planner.
  • Review and respond to all building permit, business license and similar applications referred to the Division for compliance with the Official Plan and Zoning By-law.
  • Accept general enquiries (telephone, email, fax, letter or in person) and to research and respond to same.
  • Comment to enquiries and development proposals with respect to compliance with City standards, Official Plan policies, Zoning provisions and sound planning principles.
  • Recommend to the Chief Planner, Divisional positions on all development enquiries/applications and possible alternate design/policies/etc., and to prepare formal reports to Council.
  • Prepare preliminary and final plans, maps and sketches for studies and reports using AutoCad and GIS.
  • Prepare graphic displays and visual aids for reports, special projects, by-law, public meetings, open houses, tribunals and Council meetings.
  • Undertake investigations and compile information for planning studies and reports.
  • Attend regular night meetings of the Committee of Adjustment and Heritage Port Colborne as required and Council and other boards and committees when required.  
  • Other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • An Undergraduate University Degree in Urban Planning or equivalent education and experience.
  • Minimum of two years experience in a municipal planning position.
  • Knowledge of the planning process and relevant provincial legislation and municipal bylaws.
  • Knowledge of automated drafting, graphical presentation and mathematical skills.
  • Knowledge of heritage preservation and relevant provincial legislation.
  • Knowledge of basic civil engineering, environmental management, realty and property acquisition.
  • Excellent written and oral communicative skills.
  • Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with the public and respond to enquiries.

This is a full-time, permanent unionized position working 35 hours per week. The rate of pay is $36.42 per hour (under review), and a competitive benefits package and pension plan.

For full details, please see the job description here

To confidentially explore this exciting and challenging opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter to hr@portcolborne.ca quoting Competition #2024-34 by Friday May 17, 2024 at 4:00pm. 

We thank all those who apply but advise that only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. The City of Port Colborne is an equal opportunity employer.  Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. If contacted for an interview, please advise the Human Resources staff of any measures you feel you need to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 (S.O. 2001, c.25) and will be used to select a candidate.