Senior Development Planner (Build Waterloo Region)

The Role

Working with the Build Waterloo Region team leads planning research and preparation of development plans and applications for land redevelopment projects emphasizing affordable housing, industrial and commercial sites, and strategic regional projects. Works with internal departments in support of land acquisitions, appraisals, and related work. Liaises with technical consultants and planning bodies regarding applications. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Build Waterloo Region team, supports the advancement of sites for acquisition, redevelopment, or disposition as part of the Region’s land portfolio strategy emphasizing affordable housing, industrial and commercial sites, and strategic regional projects.  
• Researches and prepares development project proposals and plans for Region-owned properties both within the portfolio and/or potentially acquired. Prepares reports to support direction to Council, which provide preliminary planning assessment including site considerations, associated costs, and risks, including site context, environmental and geotechnical characteristics, policy and regulatory framework, zoning regulations, applicable housing and planning policies, transit and infrastructure requirements. 
• Identifies and assesses sites/properties for development potential, future planning uses, and alignment with strategic initiatives and goals. Prepares recommendations to management and participates in planning short and long-term priorities.  
• Under the direction of the Build Waterloo Region team, provides supports through planning opinions and related information and analysis. Supports property appraisals and processes for the acquisition, disposition, and redevelopment of properties. Sources potential sites for acquisition; visits sites and compiles information for the feasibility of development opportunity.
• Supports the development of market assessments for development projects. Conducts proforma analysis to determine anticipated return of investment for different project options/scenarios.  
• Leads the preparation, submission, and processing of land use planning applications, including Official Plan and Zoning by-law amendments, subdivision, severance, and site plans per provincial legislation and municipal regulations and policies. Presents recommendations relating to planning applications to Council and Committees.
• Administers technical studies and assessments for inclusion in project plans and applications (e.g., property appraisals, environmental impact assessments, concept designs).   
• Liaises with municipal staff and review agencies regarding applications and for information and clarification regarding processes and legislation, regulations, and policies.
• Participates in public consultation meetings. Presents information and responds to questions from the public.
• Provides support into Master Planning processes for the redevelopment of lands, including researching environmental features and considerations for economic development, surrounding uses, and proximity to infrastructure, such as light rail transit.
• Testifies at tribunal hearings as necessary. 
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skill acquired through a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related discipline, plus 5 or more years of related experience.
• Membership or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and Ontario Professional Planners Institute as a Registered Professional Planner. 
• Knowledge of land use planning frameworks, policies, and processes at a municipal and Provincial level, planning theory, research methods, and planning-related legislation. 
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, and legislation, specifically the Planning Act and other planning-related legislation, regulations, policy statements, and guidelines in a public sector environment, and the Regional Official Plan. 
• Knowledge of other related legislation (e.g., Clean Water Act, Housing Services Act, Development Charges Act), area municipal official plan policies, implementation guidelines, zoning by-laws, and procedures. 
• Analytical, research, financial analysis, and problem-solving skills to develop complex/detailed project plans; assess potential sites for development potential; and identify related risks and considerations for site development, readiness, and acquisition. 
• Ability to exercise community awareness, political sensitivity, and judgment consistent with professional standards. 
• Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques.
• Communication, human relations, facilitation, presentation, and negotiation skills to work effectively with stakeholders with competing interests; address angry, emotional, and frustrated stakeholders on controversial decisions, and resolve actual and perceived issues; present and defend recommendations and reports to stakeholders, including Council and Committees; communicate effectively with all levels of staff, Councillors, and the public; and participate as an effective team member.
• Skill in building and maintaining relationships with area municipal staff, the public, development community, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to write and prepare project reports, planning documents and applications, including Official Plan and Zoning by-law amendments, and site plan approvals, and correspondence with Municipal staff and agencies. Ability to read, interpret, synthesize, and apply complex and technical policy, and legal information from various sources (e.g., reports, documents, records, file information, maps, plans, drawings).
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, databases and data management programs, GIS, InDesign or alternative, and statistical analysis and visualization tools.
• May be required to alter hours to attend evening meetings and/or requested to attend meetings on weekends. 
• Ability to travel within and occasionally outside Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.