Housing Master Plan Program Manager (Niagara Region)

• Post-Secondary Diploma or Degree in Planning, Business Administration, or a related field of study.

• At least 5 years of current related experience in the following areas; land use planning, with local area Municipalities, comprehensive program evaluation, contract preparation and management, reporting and managerial/supervisory responsibilities.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation (e.g. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act)
• Related professional designation (e.g. CET) an asset.
• Knowledge of detailed planning processes, development standards and practices, and strategic land development.
• Knowledge and skills of urban design criteria and best practices.
• The ability to comply with policies, procedures, and legislation associated with planning, municipal land disposition processes, appraisals, and land transfer processes.
• Knowledge of financial modelling approaches to support the development of programs and business plans; ability to conduct cost/benefit and return on investment analyses.
• Research, analyze, problem solve, and continuous improvement skills to classify and organize work; analyze and assess program compliance with policies, procedures, standards, guidelines, and legislation; develop program plans, procedures, policies, and frameworks; analyze data and make property recommendations; and take a broad view of issues, events, and activities and their long term impacts/implications.
• Ability to read and interpret legislation, reports, publications, journals, and research papers; ability to write, compile, and summarize data and research; prepare technical/administrative reports, articles, policies, procedures, correspondence, specifications and standards.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office and program related databases.
• Sound knowledge of the Municipal Act, Planning Act and Regulations, Development Charges Act, Provincial policies, plans and guidelines, Regional Official Plan, Community Improvement Plans, and budgeting practices.
• Knowledge of Regional and Municipal grants, incentives and development charges in relation to the new development program.

• Develop and manage an implementation model of Niagara Region’s Consolidated Housing Master Plan.
• Manage Master planning process for the redevelopment of lands, including considerations of needs assessment, economic development, surrounding uses, and proximity to infrastructure.
• Manage contracts with consultants for technical work on lands.
• Effectively manage the advancement of sites for redevelopment or disposition for the purposes of affordable housing.
• Lead the development of business plans for the development of sites or for the management of the land portfolio, including proformas.
• Leads cross-divisional project teams relating to site readiness including technical studies, public consultation, planning, and design processes.
• Maintain the zoning and official plan amendments for Regional owned lands.
• Prepare conceptual design development processes for properties in the portfolio.
• Facilitate the site readiness process for each site considered in the plan.
• Report on new development and housing projects to Council.
• Develop different financing models to support the Consolidated Housing Master Plan.
• Develop processes and tools to increase efficiencies and improve the effectiveness of Consolidated Housing Master Plan.
• Consult with management and participate with Planning and Technical committees, land use planners and development specialists to formulate strategic plans, directions and discuss the implementation of the Consolidated Housing Master Plan.
• Plans, leads and facilitates meetings for the Master Plan committee.

• Identify and pursue opportunities from senior levels of government for affordable housing funding.
• Assemble funding and development incentives for properties in the portfolio.
• Manage relationships with the development and construction sectors to advance land in the portfolio towards disposition and/or Request for Proposals process.
• Prepare budget proforma for projects; make recommendations to senior management and committees on properties to develop and/or purchase.
• Keep abreast of pertinent legislation and regulations related to housing.
• Identify trends and technological developments in the housing industry and assess their impact on affordable housing.
• Participate in financial studies to determine availability of resources for funding current or new programs.
• Prepare and/or assist in the preparation and/or delivery of reports, various types of correspondence, presentations to Council, Standing and Advisory Committees, Stakeholder & Working Groups, other agencies, and the general public related to the development of new affordable housing.

• Provide guidance and support to the New Development Project Managers.
• Establish partnerships with private sector, not-for-profits, and area Municipalities to advance affordable housing development.
• Manage community consultation and public engagement processes relating to site densities, zoning, and official plan amendments.
• Manage inquiries from external organizations, co-ops, providers, agencies, the public, or Regional Council.
• Manage negotiations and MOUs/agreements with area municipalities relating to joint development projects or lands contributed by area municipalities.
• Provide functional guidance to staff and contractors, providing work direction, assigning tasks/projects, determining methods and procedures to be used, resolving problems, and ensuring results are achieved.
• Build and maintain a network of relationships with regional divisions, departments and local municipal staff.
• Identify, manage and address inquiries, issues and conflicts raised by stakeholders, including responses to stakeholders.
• Conduct public information sessions throughout the Region.
• Represent the team on external committees and task forces.

• Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values of service, honesty, choice, partnership and respect.
• Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons. 

• Email: myhr@niagararegion.ca
• Phone: 905-980-6000 ext. 3252 or 1-800-263-7215
• Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
• In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 – Human Resources Department