Job ID: 53754
Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research
Division & Section: Parks & Recreation, PF PPSI Parks Planning & Strategic Init
Work Location: Various locations, see below.
Job Type & Duration: Full Time, 6 Permanent vacancies, 3 Temporary vacancy (ends June 10, 2026)
Hourly Rate and Wage Grade: $50.41 - $55.24, Wage Grade 15
Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Affiliation: L79 Full-time
Number of Positions Open: 9
Posting Period: 7-Aug-2025 to 21-Aug-2025

JOB SUMMARY:

The Planner, Parks Development & Planning, reporting to the Manager, Parks Development, will be part of multi-disciplinary and inter-divisional teams and be responsible for developing and implementing plans and strategies related to the creation of new parks and recreation facilities through the development review process.

YOUR APPLICATION MUST DESCRIBE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AS THEY RELATE TO:

• Post-secondary education in urban and regional planning, urban geography, environmental studies, landscape architecture or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Considerable experience with park and open space planning, recreation planning, land use planning, real estate, architecture, landscape architecture or urban design.
• Considerable experience with reviewing plans, planning methodologies and processes including report writing, data collection, analysis and presentation,
• Experience with speaking at public consultations as a representative and acting as an effective liaison between stakeholders.

• Reviews, evaluates, and provides comments on development proposals including Zoning By-law Amendments and Official Plan Amendments, Site Plan Control and Committee of Adjustment applications, with regard to the Ontario Planning Act, Official Plan and applicable Municipal Code including the review and applicability of the Parkland Strategy and the Facilities Plan and makes recommendations to Committees and Council.
• Reviews and comments on technical reports and drawings.
• Ensures new parkland assets are properly secured by reviewing and drafting legally binding conditions in agreements such that assets are delivered in a timely manner.
• Identifies, negotiates, mediates and resolves conflicting positions with stakeholders that have varied objectives including developers, landowners, City Divisions and agencies, residents and elected officials, amongst others to meet parkland and recreation facility objectives of the City of Toronto’s Official Plan, the Ontario Planning Act and Provincial Policy Statements.
• Coordinates the environmental review of new parkland under Provincial regulations and the City’s land conveyance policies.
• Supports preliminary design and consultation to guide the development of new community recreation centres and outdoor recreation facilities.
• Prepares reports and presentations using computer applications, geospatial and statistical software or any other relevant programs.
• Presents evidence and provides professional opinion as an expert witness at proceedings before Ontario Tribunals on parkland matters as they relate to the Planning Act, Official Plan, and the Toronto Municipal Code; and prepares witness statements and other documentation to support the City and Council.
• Serves as divisional representation and maintains effective communication and partnerships with other City Divisions and Agencies, Boards and Commissions and provincial agencies.
• Provides information and advice to requests from elected officials, other city divisions, property owners, consultants, agencies, boards and the public.
• Undertakes detailed site analysis including conducting field visits of sites for parkland development, acquisition potential, connections and expansion of existing assets to ensure they meet divisional standards, programming and operating requirements as well as requirements reflected in the City of Toronto’s Official Plan.
• Provides work direction on research, analysis and report writing assignments to staff.
• Prepares related reports and correspondence, as directed.