Manager of Planning | Closes March 2, 2026

Bracebridge is a place where inspiration, opportunity, lifestyle, community and prosperity come
together. If you are looking to expand, the Town of Bracebridge is a community of more than 17,000 
residents plus 9,000 seasonal residents living in both urban and rural areas. Located in the heart 
of Muskoka, Bracebridge is a magnet for recreation and tourism, with a growing base of 
non-recreational businesses. There is a sense of civic responsibility and interest in protecting 
and enhancing Bracebridge’s natural features; therefore, residents want increased and improved 
access to the Town’s natural features, such as parks, trails and waterfront areas.

With total budget of over $40 million the Town provides a range of services to meet the needs of 
residents and a multitude of businesses. According to Statistics Canada, Bracebridge has 
experienced the largest growth rate of any Town in Muskoka between 2016 and 2021. With a growth 
rate of 8.1%, we have significant residential, industrial and commercial growth on the horizon.

Define the Future

Are you passionate about urban planning, building and economic development in one of the premier 
growth focused communities in Muskoka? Are you passionate about creating vibrant, sustainable 
communities that meet the needs of current and future generations? Do you want to lead a dynamic 
team and make a lasting impact on the future of our municipality? This is your opportunity to bring 
bold ideas to life, influence long-term development, and leave a legacy. The Town of Bracebridge is 
looking for a strategic and innovative Manager of Planning to shape our community's future with 
vision, creativity, and leadership.

This isn’t just any leadership role – this is a chance to help lead and enhance initiatives already 
underway and to shape the community’s future with bold new ideas. As Manager of Planning, you will 
report directly to the Director of Planning and Development and play a key leadership role in 
crafting planning policies, driving major planning initiatives, and overseeing development 
approvals that will define how our community grows and evolves for decades to come. You’ll be 
collaborating with stakeholders, engaging the public, and working closely with Council to guide 
growth that’s balanced, sustainable, and future focused.

We’re looking for a leader who thrives on innovation and is excited by the challenge of building
communities that reflect the needs of today and the aspirations of tomorrow.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement planning strategies that balance growth with environmental sustainability, 
  economic prosperity, and community well-being.
• Lead a high-impact team of professionals, mentoring and empowering them to excel while fostering 
  a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Oversee key projects related to the growth of our community such as Official Plan reviews, 
  secondary plans, development applications, zoning by-laws, and urban design standards.
• Engage with community members and interest-holders, facilitating public consultations and 
  turning feedback into actionable policies.
• Monitor and forecast trends in urban development to position the municipality as a leader in 
  progressive planning, economic development and building practices.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment with our organizational initiatives and our 
  strategic plan.
• Work closely with Director of Planning and Development and senior leadership to provide expert 
  advice, reports, and recommendations on major planning decisions and initiatives.

What You Bring to the Team

• Management and Leadership: At least seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience and 
  abilities with a passion for planning, growth and environmental sustainability coupled with a 
  desire to leave an impact.
• Planning and Growth: Extensive experience in municipal planning with a solid understanding of 
  the planning framework, municipal development processes, related policies, acts and legislation, 
  ideally in Ontario.
• Critical Thinking: Exceptional business acumen and critical thinking skills, ability to 
  understand strategic directions, and make independent evaluations, recommendations and apply this 
  knowledge to achieve departmental strategies and business plans that serve public interest.
• People Leadership: Ability to coach, mentor, and inspire staff and service partners in a 
  unionized environment while maintaining a work environment that fosters teamwork, initiative, 
  accountability, and innovation.
• Operational Excellence: Proven analytical skills, organizational skills, coupled with the 
  inclination to be action oriented, focused on continuous improvement, and demonstrate perseverance 
  when the situation demands it.
• Resource Management: Strong budget and project management skills, ability to effectively manage 
  departmental budget and resources as well as leading complex growth-related initiatives.
• Customer Service: Experience with modern day community focused and service minded processes and approaches related to departmental services.
• Collaboration and Interpersonal: Outstanding interpersonal skills for effective negotiation, 
  influence, and collaboration. Able to provide strategic advice to a range of stakeholders including 
  internal departments, Mayor/Council, government agencies, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills – you 
  can turn complex planning concepts into accessible ideas and inspire action.
• Education: A post-secondary degree from an accredited college or university in Planning or 
  equivalent, coupled with certification as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP). Membership in 
  the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) is a decided asset.

What We Offer

• Compensation and Benefits: Annual salary ranging from $116,298 - $136,063 plus a comprehensive benefits package and OMERS pension.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with flexible work arrangements.
• Growth Opportunities: Expand your leadership skills as you develop and mentor a talented team, 
  with the chance to grow your career within a supportive and evolving municipality.
• Influence and Impact: You’ll be at the forefront of major community building initiatives, 
  helping shape policies that will drive our community's future.
• A Community That Cares: Be part of a vibrant community with a strong sense of identity, engaged 
  citizens, and a shared commitment to progress.

How to Apply

To  explore  this  opportunity  please  apply  via  email by  March  2ⁿᵈ,  2026  or  sooner  to 
careers@waterhousesearch.net quoting project BRACEBRIDGE-MP.

Should you wish to speak to our Executive Recruiter or to receive a detailed position description please contact Jon Stungevicius at 416-214-9299  x1,  jon@waterhousesearch.net  or  Tim  Lukasewich  at  416-214-9299  x4, tim@waterhousesearch.net

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be 
contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy Act.