Principal Planner, Development Planning

Position Details

• Department: Development Services
• Status: Full Time, Permanent
• Date Posted: August 10, 2026
• Date Closing: September 7, 2026
• Number of Positions: 1
• Scheduled Hours/Shifts: 37.5 hours per week
• Salary: $113,608 - $138,222 annually
• Flexible Working Arrangements: Yes
• Vacancy Reason: New Position

Why Stouffville

Working for the Town of Stouffville means being a part of one of HRD Canada’s Best Places to Work. Here, we foster a sense of belonging as a tightknit workforce.

The Town is dedicated to supporting its employees, by providing competitive compensation, OMERS Pension, employer funded benefits, paid vacation, sick time, EAP and flexible work arrangements, to help you prioritize what matters most.

Shape a growing community. Lead with purpose. Drive impactful planning outcomes.

Position Purpose

Under the direction of the Director, Planning Services, the Principal Planner provides leadership and oversight to the Development Planning team and plays a key role in managing the Town’s development review functions. This position is responsible for supervising staff, coordinating the processing of a broad range of planning applications under the Planning Act, and ensuring all applications are reviewed efficiently and within prescribed legislative timelines.

The Principal Planner oversees the administration of the Town’s Committee of Adjustment portfolio, including the review of minor variance and consent applications, preparation of recommendations, and coordination with applicants, agencies, and Committee members.

A core function of this role is to guide and support Development Planners in managing, coordinating, and facilitating planning applications. The Principal Planner works closely with staff to ensure timely circulation, analysis, reporting, and provide guidance for decision-making, while maintaining high-quality planning outcomes and compliance with statutory requirements.

Additional responsibilities include preparing professional planning recommendations for departmental and Council consideration, resolving conflicts, negotiating with applicants, and presenting planning matters to elected officials, developers, internal departments, external agencies, and the public. The Principal Planner also oversees the administration and interpretation of the Town’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law, related policies, and other strategic, town-wide planning initiatives.

The Principal Planner contributes to the development of service level standards, divisional procedures, and operational improvement strategies. The role also supports the Director, Planning Services, in managing day‑to‑day divisional operations and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• University degree in Urban Planning, Urban Studies or related discipline.
• Current membership in Canadian Institute of Planners, accompanied by Registered Professional Planner designation required.
• Six to eight years of progressively more responsible relevant professional planning experience in a municipal environment including at least three years of responsibility involving the provision of guidance to and the review of the work of others.
• Experience in a municipal work environment is mandatory.
• Thorough knowledge of the Ontario Planning Act, Provincial Planning Statement and other relevant provincial policies.
• Advanced knowledge of land use planning and the land development processes gained through first-hand experience in administering these processes at the municipal level.
• Understanding and experience in dealing with managing complex and high-profile applications preferably with municipal background. Private sector experience is an asset.
• Ability to present evidence at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and other Boards and tribunals.
• Ability to develop alternative and creative solutions within a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment and manage diverse internal and external stakeholders involved in the Planning Applications.
• Well-developed project management skills.
• Independent decision-making abilities, discretion and good judgement when handling confidential/sensitive information and communicating with individuals regarding controversial matters.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, communicating in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Excellent negotiation, dispute resolution and conflict management skills with demonstrated ability to manage large meetings in particular when conflicts and disputes arise.
• Ability to identify priorities, organize and coordinate workloads effectively.

The Town of Stouffville is committed to being an equal opportunity employer, supportive of an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process and as we grow, it’s important that our workforce reflect the citizens we serve. At the Town, we respect, encourage, and celebrate our diversity. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation.