Director, Planning Services

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah-nish-nah-beg), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start ups and all levels of government.

At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people's lives by delivering exceptional, customer centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you'll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you'll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

Position Summary Under the general direction of the Commissioner, Growth & Development Services, the Director, Planning Services / Chief Planner is responsible for the overall direction, management, and oversight of all municipal land use planning, development review, building services, and often economic development initiatives. The Director guides sustainable growth, ensures compliance with provincial and municipal legislation, and fosters a high quality of life for residents by shaping the built and natural environment. This position plays a critical role in providing expert advice and recommendations to Council, Committees of Council, and the public on complex development and land use matters. The Director of Planning Services/Chief Planner plays a leadership role in the development of growth related policies and assists in providing policy advice to other City initiatives related to economic development, Brownfield redevelopment, transportation, accessibility, and environmental aspects of City development. The Director, Planning Services / Chief Planner is responsible for integrating strategic planning, operational activities, and the interests and needs of stakeholders while ensuring fair, ethical, and responsible decision making, and appropriate management of resources.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Oversight: Provides visionary and strategic leadership for the Planning & Development department, aligning initiatives with the municipality's Strategic Plan, Official Plan, and other corporate goals.
• Policy Development: Develops, recommends, and implements progressive land use policies, bylaws, and programs to guide growth, protect natural heritage, promote sustainable development, and enhance community design.
• Official Plan Management: Leads the review and updating of the Official Plan, Zoning Bylaw, and other significant land use planning documents.
• Legislative Compliance: Stays abreast of changes in provincial legislation (e.g., Planning Act, Building Code Act, Development Charges Act, Municipal Act) and emerging trends in urban planning, development, and building sciences, ensuring municipal compliance and proactively preparing for impacts.
• Strategic Initiatives: Contributes to corporate wide strategic initiatives and cross departmental projects as a member of the Senior Management Team.
• Policy Leadership: Leads the department on all Planning & Development policies, programs and services affecting the City to provide exceptional service to Council, Committees, the CAO, staff, and residents.
• Project Management: Coordinates and manages projects of major corporate significance, prepares reports, presents, and defends policy recommendations related to planning issues.
• Performance Monitoring: Develops and monitors annual plans, objectives and performance measures for the department which includes land use policy planning and coordinating the municipal response to development applications and zoning administration.
• Chief Planning Official: Serves as the City's Chief Planning Official; attends Planning Committee, Council, and other public meetings to present and defend planning recommendations.
• Stakeholder Partnership: Develops and maintains key partnerships with community organizations, business associations, applicants, and planning consultants.
• Resource Management: Oversees the human and financial resources for the department to ensure they are being used effectively, including preparation and oversight of budgets and related programs.
• Direct Report Management: Manages direct reports by monitoring progress toward goals with sustainable results and resolving problems in alignment with the organization's vision and strategic plans.
• Team Leadership: Effectively manages the Planning Services team by engaging staff, providing development opportunities, mentoring as required, developing successors, fostering a positive work environment while demonstrating a high degree of integrity and maintaining an image of trust and public service.
• Development Review & Approvals:
  • Oversees and manages the entire development approvals process, including official plan amendments, zoning bylaw amendments, plans of subdivision and condominium, site plan control, consents, and minor variances.
  • Ensures efficient, transparent, and customer service oriented review processes for all planning applications and building permits.
  • Provides expert planning and technical advice to applicants, developers, consultants, and the public on complex development issues and regulatory requirements.
  • Manages and/or oversees the preparation of comprehensive planning reports and recommendations for presentation to Council, Committees, and the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
  • Facilitates and leads pre consultation meetings and public engagement processes (e.g., public meetings, open houses) for major development proposals.
  • Oversees the administration of development agreements, including monitoring conditions, managing securities, and facilitating assumption processes.
• Team Leadership & Management:
  • Leads, mentors, and manages a team of planning professionals, building officials, and administrative staff, fostering a positive, collaborative, and high performance work environment.
  • Responsible for recruitment, training, performance management, and professional development of departmental staff.
  • Develops and manages the departmental operating and capital budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability.
  • Promotes a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and customer service excellence within the department.
  • Oversees the administration of the City's Zoning and Tree By Laws, Committee of Adjustment amongst others. Implements and manages Council's delegation of authority pursuant to By Law .
  • Final subdivision approval, site plan control approval, removal of holding symbols, part lot lift control, release of agreements, reduce/release site plan securities, draft plans of subdivision, amend condominium declarations/descriptions, cash in lieu of parking and technical consents.
• Stakeholder Relations & Communication:
  • Establishes and maintains strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders (CAO, Council, other departments) and external stakeholders (developers, consultants, community groups, public, provincial agencies, Indigenous communities).
  • Acts as the primary municipal representative on complex planning and development matters with provincial bodies (e.g., Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ontario Land Tribunal).
  • Prepares and delivers compelling presentations to Council, Committees, public meetings, and professional forums.
  • Manages sensitive and sometimes controversial issues with tact, diplomacy, and strong conflict resolution skills.
  • Responds to public inquiries and complaints related to planning and development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Competencies

• Master's degree in planning or related program.
• University Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, or related discipline (e.g., Geography, Environmental Studies, Public Administration, Civil Engineering).
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal land use planning and development, with a significant portion at a senior management or leadership level.
• Demonstrated experience in leading, developing, and managing professional staff and complex departmental operations.
• Extensive experience interpreting and applying the Ontario Planning Act and other relevant provincial and municipal legislation.
• Proven track record of successful project management for major development initiatives.
• Experience presenting to and advising elected officials, statutory committees, and tribunals (e.g., Ontario Land Tribunal).
• Experience in corporate strategic planning process, annual budget process, financial reporting/forecasting, and in development of urban and rural planning policies.
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