The Town is seeking a strategic and experienced planning professional to join our team as a Senior Planner. This role is responsible for overseeing the delivery of high-quality planning services, including policy development, land use planning, and development control. The Senior Planner, under the direction of the Manager of Planning and Development, will provide expert recommendations to Council, manage the day-to-day workflow of development applications, and help oversee complex planning files to ensure alignment with legislative directions and municipal goals.
Key responsibilities include strategic engagement with developers, legal counsel, consultants, and stakeholders to ensure consistency with legislation, regulatory framework, and professional standards. This position provides oversight of the Committee of Adjustment, administers the Planning Act approval process for new development applications, and plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing departmental policies and procedures to support broader organizational goals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Coordinate and administer the Planning Act approval process for site plan applications, consent and minor variance applications, zoning by-law amendment applications, official plan amendment applications, and draft plans of subdivision applications.
Oversee all aspects of the Committee of Adjustment, ensuring effective administration and decision-making.
Manage all functions related to the internal Site Plan Review Committee, including full administration of the Site Plan Approval function on behalf of the department.
Provide professional planning advice and recommendations on development applications, planning policy and related implementation and land use matters.
Ensure that relevant planning policy documents are up to date with changing legislation and provincial policy context.
Engage with LaSalle residents, developers, legal counsel, consultants, and community stakeholders to facilitate responsible growth and development under the Planning Act.
Foster collaborative relationships with developers, consultants, elected officials, Indigenous communities, and the public.
Help facilitate community consultations and public meetings to ensure inclusive and transparent planning processes.
Collaborate with other internal departments on development application matters and ongoing administration of policies, procedures and municipal by-laws.
Respond to public inquiries and concerns (received in-person, by email, phone, or at the front counter) to provide effective and informative customer service with professionalism and transparency.
Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and municipal standards.
Provide expert guidance on matters related to the Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, and other relevant legislation.
Prepare and present reports to Council, committees, and external agencies with clarity and strategic insight.
Help lead, facilitate and attend internal meetings as required.
Assist in the preparation of Ontario Land Tribunal documents as needed.
Provide mentorship to planning staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
All other duties as assigned.
Hours of Work
Primary hours of work are Monday to Friday (35 hours), day shift
Attend after-hours Council meetings and events, as required
Working Conditions
Duties shall be performed both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
Intermittent exposure to varying levels of heat and/or cold and dusty/dirty conditions
Manual dexterity to use a desktop computer, peripherals, etc.
Periodic local and out-of-town travel required
Operation of a motor vehicle
Physical Requirements
Physical work environment requiring extended periods of walking, standing, crouching, bending, kneeling, climbing, and sitting
Qualifications
A university degree in Urban and/or Regional Planning, Geography, or a closely related discipline.
Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation, or eligibility for full membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI).
A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in land use planning and project management. Candidates must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the Planning Act and related legislation, with proven ability to navigate and apply these frameworks effectively.
Strong knowledge of the development process, including stakeholder engagement.
Proven capacity to manage multiple projects of varying complexity under tight deadlines, while maintaining high standards of quality and communication
Exceptional written, communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team
Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with both internal departments and external agencies
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.
Valid Class "G" driver’s license
Qualifications Considered Assets
Previous experience with land use planning in a municipal environment
Familiarity with Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) policies, procedures, and decision-making
The Town of LaSalle's Vision
LaSalle will be a safe and active community with vibrant neighbourhoods and thriving business districts
The Town of LaSalle prides itself on delivering a safe and active community, and high-quality services to its residents. As it looks forward to the next 30 years, the Town will continue to focus on how it can best serve those who live, work, and play in LaSalle. To achieve this vision, the Town will follow the path identified in the mission statement.
The Town of LaSalle's Mission
The Town of LaSalle is committed to providing exceptional public services in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner
The Town of LaSalle’s mission statement outlines the path that will guide our collective activities to ensure LaSalle continues to be a desirable place for residents to live, work and grow. LaSalle will continue to evolve and sustainably grow for the future, through high-quality service delivery and through impactful community engagement.
The Town of LaSalle's Values
As we embark on our journey to fulfill our vision and mission, the Town of LaSalle will be guided by the values that define our Town
responsibility
approachability
...accountability
passion
forward thinking
collaboration
The Town of LaSalle's Strategic Goals
Our journey to implementing our vision to be a safe and active community with vibrant neighbourhoods and thriving business districts and our mission to provide exceptional public services in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner begins with five strategic goals building on what makes LaSalle LaSalle. These goals will help us turn our vision into reality.