Director of Planning Policy

Location: Halton Regional Municipality (Campbellville)

Reporting to the Commissioner of Planning and Development, the Director of Planning Policy provides strategic leadership for the Policy and Heritage Division within the Planning and Development Department. The role leads the Town’s growth management and long‑range planning functions, ensuring alignment with Provincial legislation, planning frameworks, the Town’s Strategic Plan, Official Plan, Secondary Plans and related corporate policies. The Director advises on legislative and policy changes, assesses impacts to Council direction and municipal practices, and develops appropriate corporate responses.

The position also provides direction to the Manager of Heritage Planning, while ensuring the success of the Heritage Planning portfolio. The Director contributes as a key member of the departmental management team to business planning, budgeting and staff development.

Accountabilities

Provide overall leadership, direction and management of the Planning Policy and Heritage Divisions, including oversight of Heritage Planning, Environmental Planning and administrative staff, ensuring effective service delivery and alignment with corporate priorities

Guide, mentor and develop staff through performance management, workforce planning, career development planning, and the establishment of clear expectations and accountability measures

Develop, implement and monitor the divisional Business Plan, ensuring alignment with the Town’s strategic priorities, and regularly report on progress, outcomes and performance measures

Manage the preparation and administration of divisional operating and capital budgets, including forecasting, financial monitoring, cost recovery strategies, and oversight of expenditures related to legal matters and external consultants

Strategic leadership and oversight for the Town’s long‑range planning program, including Official Plan updates, Secondary Plans, growth management initiatives, and associated technical studies and public engagement processes

Provide expert planning advice on complex land use and policy matters to Council, Senior Management, internal departments, external agencies, and the public, ensuring recommendations are aligned with legislative requirements and municipal objectives

Coordinate the review, interpretation and implementation of Provincial and Regional legislation, plans and policy changes, assess impacts to Town policies and procedures, and develop appropriate corporate responses and strategies

Oversee and guide the preparation of planning policy documents, zoning by‑law provisions, technical studies, discussion papers and reports to Council and committees, ensuring clarity, accuracy and defensibility at appeals such as the Ontario Land Tribunal

Provide direction to legal counsel and represent the Town in hearings before tribunals and courts, including the preparation and delivery of expert evidence and participation in cross‑examination where required

Lead complex, multi‑disciplinary planning projects from initiation through Council approval and appeal stages, ensuring effective coordination of internal teams, consultants, stakeholders and regulatory agencies

Direct and provide strategic advice to the Manager of Heritage Planning regarding the Heritage Planning portfolio, including advising on matters under the Ontario Heritage Act, and supporting the Heritage Halton Hills Committee and Council decision‑making processes

Lead interdepartmental and interagency coordination efforts, including collaboration with Conservation Authorities, regional partners and provincial bodies on policy, environmental and growth management matters

Ensure effective stakeholder and community engagement, including facilitating meetings, managing complex or sensitive public inquiries, and resolving escalated customer service issues at the management level

Monitor, evaluate and continuously improve divisional processes, policies and service delivery to ensure responsiveness to legislative changes, corporate priorities and community needs

Act as Commissioner of Planning & Development, on a rotational basis, in the absence of the Commissioner, providing continuity of leadership and…