Sessional Lecturer - PLA1103H1S: Legal Basis of Planning (0.25 FCE)

Date Posted: 10/14/2026
Req ID: 50522
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Department of Geography and Planning
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:
Course Description: This course examines the legal basis of planning, including the relevant legislation, bylaws and policies that guide planning in the Province of Ontario. Part I of the course introduces you to the basics of planning law — in essence, how to distinguish between law and policy, how to read case law, and understanding the role of the courts. Part II focuses on planning law in action, including understanding how legal issues affect the day-to-day life of planners, a field trip, and guest speakers. In Part III we will take a close look at current issues and problems in planning law, including indigenous-municipal planning relationships, the Places to Grow legislation, and the zoning of rooming houses.

Estimated Course Enrollment:

30

Estimated TA Support:

None

Class Schedule:

Tuesdays | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Sessional Appointment:

January 01, 2027 to April 30, 2027

Salary:

Sessional Lecturer (FCE 0.25): SL I: $4998.74, SL I - Long Term: $5349.61, SL II: $5349.61, SL II - Long Term: $5476.98, SL III: $5476.98, SL III - Long Term: $5614.45

**Posting is for two positions and will be co-taught at 0.25 FCE per position.

Please note that should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

Qualifications (Minimum): A degree in Law with a specialization or work experience in Urban Planning is required.

Brief description of duties: Preparing course outline, syllabi and lectures; developing and administering grading, course assignments and weighting, tests and exams; exam invigilation and holding regular office hours.

TO APPLY:

Closing Date and Procedure for pool members to indicate interest in being considered for the position: to apply, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching effectiveness (if had previous teaching assignments), the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Application Form, and names of two possible references by November 04, 2026to:

OFFICE OF THE CHAIR

Department of Geography and Planning

5050-100 St. George Street

Toronto, ON

M5S 3G3

Email:

Closing Date: 11/04/2026, 11:59PM EDT
**

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement.

It is understood that some announcements of vacancies are tentative, pending final course determinations and enrolment. Should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

Preference in hiring is given to qualified individuals advanced to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II or Sessional Lecturer III in accordance with Article 14:12 of the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 collective agreement.

Candidates who are members of Indigenous. Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity-deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the position.

Please note: Undergraduate or graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of the University of Toronto are covered by the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 collective agreement rather than the Unit 3 collective agreement, and should not apply for positions posted under the Unit 3 collective agreement.