Join us to shape the future of St. Catharines!

At the City of St. Catharines, we are committed to realizing the vision outlined in Strategic Plan. Our goal is to cultivate a city that thrives on safety, innovation, sustainability, and caring—not just for today, but for generations to come. Join our team and be part of a meaningful journey to shape the future of our community, leaving a lasting impact that extends far beyond the present.

Here is what you can count on when you work with us:

• Great People: Work with a supportive team and leadership focused on your success.

• Make Your Mark: Share your ideas, drive change, and leave a lasting impact through modernization efforts.

• Training & Development: Access training and development funds to support your professional growth.

• Competitive Pay: Receive competitive pay from a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.

• Pension Plan: Enjoy enrollment in the OMERS pension plan with matched contributions.

• Balance & Benefits: Experience flexibility through our hybrid work environment, plus health, dental, and vision benefits (available to eligible employees).

Job Details:

Job ID:

2025-191

Pay Rate:

$118,992 to $139,212

Hours:

35 per week

Schedule:

Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Location:

St. Catharines, ON

Work Mode:

Hybrid (50% or more remote)

Employee Group:

Non-Union

Position Type

Permanent, Full-time

Duration:

Ongoing

Posting Close Date:

October 15, 2025

About the Role:

The Manager of Community Planning is responsible for managing the activities and operation of the policy planning portfolio, including the Official Plan, secondary plans, long-range policy planning function, housing policy, growth management, and Community Improvement Plan (CIP).

Reporting to the Director of Planning and Building Services, the Manager of Community Planning is responsible for leading key strategic city building projects in alignment with Council’s Strategic Plan, the City’s Official Plan, and other priority initiatives, including Federal, Provincial, and Regional policy, plans, and initiatives. The Manager of Community Planning will undertake program and project design, management, authorship, implementation, and evaluation for Provincial, and Municipal policy directives, and will require occasional testimony and cross examination at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). The Manager will ensure the annual policy work program is designed based on approved budget allocation, Council and Corporate strategic direction, and staff resources. This leadership position is tasked with training, coaching, mentoring, and professional development strategies for subordinate staff and taking on Acting Director responsibilities, as needed.

What You'll be Doing:

• Provides leadership and initiative in developing and formulating long range planning, land use, and financial incentive policies that implement Council’s Strategic Plan, the City’s Official Plan, and other priority initiatives, including the project management and stewardship of the Official Plan, Secondary Plans, Community Improvement Plan (CIP), and similar regulatory tools in accordance with Provincial policy and plans and related legislation.
• Responsible for keeping the City’s Official Plan policies current, including amendments to reflect new Federal, Provincial, and Regional legislation and policy directives, current and emerging land use and real estate trends, and manage mandated reviews.
• Identifies, consults, plans for, and manages major studies, including coordination with projects and programs of senior levels of government, within budget guidance.
• Manages the growth management function by ensuring population and job allocations set by the Province are attributed to appropriate land uses, locations, and densities, are encapsulated in policy, and inform other City and Regional infrastructure projects.
• Manage the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) function, including authorship, review, and monitoring of approvals and agreements ensuring financial viability of the program and targeted investment.
• Author Requests for Proposals in accordance with Procurement policies, manages successful consultant contracts, ensuring high quality work is undertaken within project timelines and budget. Support, train, coach and professionally develop subordinate staff as well as supervise and evaluate their performance.
• Oversee the annual work program based on approved budget allocations, department and corporate priorities, and staff resources.
• Author and present reports to Council, Committees, Task Forces, external partners, and the public.
• Represent the City’s/Department’s interests on internal and external committees or task forces.
• Maintain communication with Directors and Council members and respond to inquiries.
• Attend public consultation, workshops, Council meetings, and the Ontario Land Tribunal as required.
• Serve as Acting Director, as required.
• Perform other similar and related duties, as required.

What's Required:

• University degree in the field of Planning or related discipline such as Urban Studies or Geography.
• Seven (7) years minimum of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning required.
• Membership in the Ontario Professional Planning Institute (OPPI) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is required.
• Strong working knowledge of various legislation including the Planning Act, Condominium Act, Municipal Act, Provincial land use policy, and other related legislation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both orally and in writing, with all levels of staff, elected officials, the development industry, and the general public.
• Proven ability to utilize conflict resolution techniques to deal with and de-escalate sensitive and/or difficult situations and difficult people.
• Well-developed coaching, supervisory and leadership skills.
• Proven commitment and dedication to the public interest.
• Proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), GIS, and AMANDA.
• Valid Ontario Driver’s license, Class “G”, with a clean driving record.

Other Requirements:

Other Position Requirements include: Class G Driver’s Licence

Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete the Ministry of Labour’s Worker Health and Safety Awareness training and provide proof of the educational credentials listed on their resume and job application.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of St. Catharines is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful work environment. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Our community is enriched by people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences—a value reflected in our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.

Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and education levels to apply. While specific qualifications may be required for certain roles, we assess each applicant’s overall suitability. Please note that unionized roles are subject to collective agreement requirements.

Accommodation

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact Human Resources at hrreps@stcatharines.ca.

Application Process

To ensure transparency and fairness, all applications must be submitted online through our application portal. Please keep your contact information up to date and regularly check your spam and junk email folders, as important communications may be directed there.

Interviews and Assessments

Depending on the role, interviews may be conducted via video conferencing or in person. Various tests and/or assessments may be administered as part of the selection process.

Use of AI

The City of St. Catharines does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in any part of the recruitment process.

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