Fleming College

Program Highlights

Land use, environmental planning, and integrated resource management are fields that are becoming increasingly complex, as population growth and urban and rural development threaten the natural environment and natural heritage systems. New provincial and municipal environmental protection legislation and guidelines to control this development require public input at all phases of the planning process, as well as knowledge of and adherence to these acts and policies.

With your background in environmental sciences, environmental studies, engineering, or a related science degree in biology, ecology, geography or sustainability, you can add this Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Applied Planning - Environmental. Gain a competitive advantage with this high demand, marketable skill set.

Throughout this intense, two-semester program you will obtain:

• Planning theory, practice, methods and ethics, with hands-on planning experience on real-world projects
• The ability to understand the implications of planning, relative to environmental sustainability, while balancing social and economic issues
• GIS applications skills and 3D computer applications for planning
• Planning skills for natural heritage, with a focus on Indigenous communities and perspectives
• Communications skills using planning language and concepts to participate in public meetings and presentations
• Knowledge of provincial environmental land use policies, acts, and associated municipal planning regulations and processes

Case studies will introduce you to the challenges found in this field, while practical projects enable you to apply your new skills and explore solutions.

Our School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences is highly respected for applied training in the environmental sector, GIS expertise and training, experience with natural heritage projects, and strong partnerships, including work with Indigenous communities. The Applied Planning - Environmental program will benefit from these synergies. As a student, you will benefit too from our network of contacts and strong reputation, both during the program, and upon graduation when it comes to your job search.

Work Experience

A seven-week field placement enables you to put your new skills into practice in a work integrated learning experience.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate, you will be able utilize your new planning skills, together with your environmental/sustainability/science/engineering-related degree or diploma, to assist organizations in their planning processes. Working with professional planners as a planning technician, planning assistant or scientist, you will help to promote healthy and sustainable communities.

In most of Canada, including Ontario, many jobs require that the prospective employee be certified as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP), or be a member of the Canadian Association of Certified Planning Technicians. While this new program does not certify you in either of these, you will have a skill set for many job opportunities that do not require these designations. Once employed, you can seek certification or membership if you choose to do so.

Typical Employers Include:

• Federal, provincial/territorial and municipal government departments
• Private consulting firms and developers
• Conservation authorities
• Non-profit organizations
• Indigenous communities

Job Areas Include:

• Urban Planning
• Environmental Assessment
• Environmental Planning
• Aboriginal Liaison
• Conservation Planning
• Planning Biologist
• Planning Ecologist

Typical Duties

Your duties in the environmental field may vary depending upon the specific job, but typical duties, as described in the ECO Canada Environmental Careers Profile http://www.eco.ca/career-profiles/environmental-planner/ include:

• Participate in meetings with various groups, including planners, public stakeholders, industrial proponents, developers, city councils, special interest groups, and the general public
• Review proposals regarding development and amendments to bylaws, as well as research and review legislation and policies from other jurisdictions
• Strategize, develop, and assist in managing planning processes
• Assist with development and implementation of plans at various levels, including ensuring legal compliance
• Present project ideas to individuals and groups
• Review and interpret maps, aerial photos, data, and field investigation reports
• Participate in public inquiries on land or resource development

With continued work experience, "Environmental Planners at all levels make between $66,500 and $90,893 per year in Canada, with an average salary of $80,500." - ECO Canada