Urban Planning Intern - Winter 2027

Planning Intern Toronto, ON $23 CAD per hour

Urban Strategies has internship opportunities for winter, summer, and fall semesters. Please make note of the following application submission periods:

Winter semester (January start): Apply in October

Summer semester (May start): Apply in February

Fall semester (September start): Apply in June

Urban Strategies® is an urban design, planning and engagement consultancy with studios in Toronto, Ontario, Hamilton, Ontario, and Vancouver, BC. We lead complex projects in cities all over the world and have an active practice across Canada and in the US, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. We are problem solvers who can help achieve successful outcomes for the full range of urban opportunities. Urban Strategies is a group of 55+ Planners, Urban Designers and specialized staff. The firm is led by our 16 Partners and 7 Principals and supported by a complement of skilled professionals. We have diverse backgrounds, including architecture, landscape architecture, planning, public administration, engagement, geospatial analysis, graphic design and the visual arts. We combine our diverse perspectives to plan and design welcoming, thriving places – and have fun in the process.

Position Summary:

Urban Planning Interns are responsible for working with Urban Strategies’ team of Urban Designers and Urban Planners to undertake a wide range of assignments on projects large and small in a variety of settings.

Responsibilities:

Practice Area

• Under the guidance of the Project Leadership, work with multidisciplinary teams to advance projects;
• Availability for short-term allocation needs, with room to more consistently allocate time to ongoing projects;
• Under the guidance of the Project Leadership, support the preparation of reports, presentations, panels and other materials for communication with clients and project stakeholders;
• Contribute to technical components of planning reports including but not limited to site descriptions, proposal descriptions, community needs assessments;
• Work independently and collaboratively with project teams to exercise judgement on specific tasks to support the overall project team;
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and persuasively, both orally and in writing;
• Adapt and respond to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment;
• Quality control and troubleshooting of project work;
• Contribute to the proposal writing process;
• Assist with coordination of planning approvals including, creating response table of City comments, coordinate submission materials and ongoing monitoring.

Research

• Analyze and support the summarization of policy documents, zoning by-laws and background studies;
• Research of surrounding applications for rationales and various planning reports;
• Research and analyze trends and best practices related to urban planning;
• Research for Practice Leads;

Project Management

• Under the guidance of Project Leadership advance small projects; support the advancement of complex projects as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• Support meeting facilitation with clients and at community consultation events in conjunction with Project Leads;
• Under the guidance of Project Leadership contribute to the preparation and management of client contracts and budgets;
• Follow up with clients as requested with regards to invoicing and collections and manage the scheduling and logistics for meetings, highlighting with Project Leadership when there are concerns;
• Report back to Project Leadership any key issues or concerns regarding client or subconsultant relations.

Skills & Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in planning or a related field. Students who have graduated will not be eligible.
• Strong PowerPoint skills; a solid understanding of MS Office suite.
• Demonstrated strong knowledge of and experience in applying planning policy and regulations in Ontario, including the Provincial Policy Statement, the Growth Plan, official plans and zoning by-laws.
• Able to connect, engage and influence
• Organized and detail oriented
• Proven knowledge and/or experience working with GIS
• Travel may be required for this position. Employees must be eligible to travel according to current government regulations.
• Working towards a Master’s Degree in planning or a related field
• Membership in OPPI and CIP
• Basic skills in Adobe InDesign
• Skills in other Adobe Creative Suite software (i.e. Photoshop, Illustrator)
• Skills and experience in advances data mapping, management and analysis.
• Fluency in French, Mandarin, or other languages is considered an asset but not essential.
• The ability and willingness to travel outside of Toronto

Urban Strategies is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that success happens where new ideas can flourish – in an environment that values diversity, a place where people from various backgrounds and experiences can work productively together. Our studios are designed for maximum interaction, across all disciplines and levels of seniority. We cultivate an integrated, collegial workplace both in person and working remotely, with numerous staff committees, social events, and professional development programs. These opportunities to celebrate, learn and have fun together are essential to our philosophy as an organization. We strive to build up each other and the profession. We make space for everyone at the firm to grow, lead, teach and have an impact. We share what we learn and expand opportunities for people to participate in planning and design.

Please visit our website to learn more about our firm.

Note: This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required, and the employee may be required to perform other duties (that they are skilled to perform) as requested.

Please note, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please connect with us if you require accommodation in the interview process.