Principal Planner

PRINCIPAL PLANNER

The City of Belleville, known as the “Friendly City”, is located at the mouth of the Moira River where it meets the picturesque Bay of Quinte. Experience world‑class fishing, boating, cycling, and walking along approximately 14 kilometers of waterfront trails. Situated between Toronto and Montreal, and less than one hour from the U.S. border, the City truly is at the center of it all.

Approximately 56,000 people make Belleville their home and over 220,000 live within 30 minutes of the City. We are in close proximity to Prince Edward County where you can discover award winning wineries and numerous beaches including Sandbanks Provincial Park. We are home to Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology as well as Albert College, Canada’s oldest co‑ed boarding independent private school.

The historic downtown core provides numerous restaurants, shopping and live music and theatre venues for an amazing cultural experience. Our inviting blend of small town warmth and big city amenities, quality of life and affordable housing make Belleville the perfect place to live, work and play. More information is available at

Currently, the City of Belleville has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, strategic, and dynamic individual to join our Engineering and Development Services Department as a Principal Planner.

Position Type: Temporary Full Time (approximately 12 months)

Number of Positions: One (1)

Existing or New Vacancy: Existing – Backfill

Department: Engineering and Development Services Department

File Number: SV25-137

Location: City Hall (169 Front Street, Belleville, ON)

Hours: 35 Hours per Week;
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm

Employee Group: Union - CUPE

Salary: $83,128.45 – $98,961.48 per year (2026 rates)

Closing Date: Friday, January 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM

As a member of the Engineering and Development Services Department, reporting to the Manager of Policy Planning, the Principal Planner is responsible for analyzing complex planning policies, managing special studies and long‑range projects, and preparing reports for Council and related Committees. The role also involves supporting the City’s Community Improvement Plan, engaging with key stakeholders, providing strategic planning advice, and assisting with development applications as needed.

• Provide professional advice and strategic input to management and Council
• Develop planning strategies that balance growth, economic development, community well‑being, and environmental sustainability
• Manage complex, multi‑disciplinary projects and studies such as Official Plan reviews, corridor studies, and other long‑range plans
• Lead a variety of the City’s Community Improvement Plans, which include areas such as housing, brownfields, and downtown revitalization
• Build and maintain relationships with provincial ministries, Indigenous communities, neighbouring municipalities, and the development industry stakeholders
• Support corporate initiatives that involve research, policy development, and changes to business practices or service delivery
• Prepare and deliver presentations and participate in discussions with staff, agencies, developers, and elected officials
• Assist staff of the Approvals Section in processing development applications for zoning amendments, site plans, subdivision and condominiums, consents and minor variances when required
• Implement the Council‑approved planning decisions and initiatives
• Act as the Manager, if required

Minimum Qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degree or higher in Planning, Geography or a related discipline
• Full membership or eligibility for membership in Canadian Institute of Planners and Ontario Professional Planners Institute with a Registered Professional Planner designation (MCIP, RPP)
• Demonstrated thorough understanding of the Planning Act and other relevant legislation
• Demonstrated expert knowledge of Official Plans, Provincial Policy Statements, and Provincial Plans
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (“CRC”) prior to commencing work at the City of Belleville

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven ability to synthesize, evaluate and interpret…