Director of Planning Policy

Reporting to the Commissioner of Planning and Development, the Director of Planning Policy provides strategic leadership for the Policy and Heritage Division within the Planning and Development Department. The role leads the Town’s growth management and long‑range planning functions, ensuring alignment with Provincial legislation, planning frameworks, the Town’s Strategic Plan, Official Plan, Secondary Plans and related corporate policies. The Director advises on legislative and policy changes, assesses impacts to Council direction and municipal practices, and develops appropriate corporate responses. The position also provides direction to the Manager of Heritage Planning, while ensuring the success of the Heritage Planning portfolio. The Director contributes as a key member of the departmental management team to business planning, budgeting and staff development.

Accountabilities

• Provide overall leadership, direction and management of the Planning Policy and Heritage Divisions, including oversight of Heritage Planning, Environmental Planning and administrative staff, ensuring effective service delivery and alignment with corporate priorities
• Guide, mentor and develop staff through performance management, workforce planning, career development planning, and the establishment of clear expectations and accountability measures
• Develop, implement and monitor the divisional Business Plan, ensuring alignment with the Town’s strategic priorities, and regularly report on progress, outcomes and performance measures
• Manage the preparation and administration of divisional operating and capital budgets, including forecasting, financial monitoring, cost recovery strategies, and oversight of expenditures related to legal matters and external consultants
• Strategic leadership and oversight for the Town’s long‑range planning program, including Official Plan updates, Secondary Plans, growth management initiatives, and associated technical studies and public engagement processes
• Provide expert planning advice on complex land use and policy matters to Council, Senior Management, internal departments, external agencies, and the public, ensuring recommendations are aligned with legislative requirements and municipal objectives
• Coordinate the review, interpretation and implementation of Provincial and Regional legislation, plans and policy changes, assess impacts to Town policies and procedures, and develop appropriate corporate responses and strategies
• Oversee and guide the preparation of planning policy documents, zoning by‑law provisions, technical studies, discussion papers and reports to Council and committees, ensuring clarity, accuracy and defensibility at appeals such as the Ontario Land Tribunal
• Provide direction to legal counsel and represent the Town in hearings before tribunals and courts, including the preparation and delivery of expert evidence and participation in cross‑examination where required
• Lead complex, multi‑disciplinary planning projects from initiation through Council approval and appeal stages, ensuring effective coordination of internal teams, consultants, stakeholders and regulatory agencies
• Direct and provide strategic advice to the Manager of Heritage Planning regarding the Heritage Planning portfolio, including advising on matters under the Ontario Heritage Act, and supporting the Heritage Halton Hills Committee and Council decision‑making processes
• Lead interdepartmental and interagency coordination efforts, including collaboration with Conservation Authorities, regional partners and provincial bodies on policy, environmental and growth management matters
• Ensure effective stakeholder and community engagement, including facilitating meetings, managing complex or sensitive public inquiries, and resolving escalated customer service issues at the management level
• Monitor, evaluate and continuously improve divisional processes, policies and service delivery to ensure responsiveness to legislative changes, corporate priorities and community needs
• Act as Commissioner of Planning & Development, on a rotational basis, in the absence of the Commissioner, providing continuity of leadership and decision‑making

Qualifications

• University degree in Urban and Regional Planning; Master’s degree in Planning or Public Administration is preferred
• Minimum 14 years of progressive municipal planning experience, with significant focus on long‑range policy planning
• Demonstrated management experience with strong leadership, staff development and team‑building skills
• Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation and membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI)
• Extensive knowledge of Provincial legislation, planning frameworks and municipal policy development processes
• Proven ability to lead complex planning projects from initiation through approval and appeal stages
• Strong political acumen and experience advising senior leadership and Council
• Exceptional communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong analytical, research and project management capabilities
• Ability to navigate complex, sensitive and high‑profile planning matters