Vitra Chodha
Essex,ON
Summary
Accomplished Planner with over 7 years of progressive experience in municipal and environmental planning. Proven leader with a strong track record of managing diverse teams, developing strategic plans, and fostering effective partnerships with multiple stakeholders. Skilled in policy analysis and project management.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Town Planner
Town Of Kingsville
Kingsville, ON
08.2023 - Current
- Train and oversee 4 positions, including office support, planning and building coordinator, summer planning student and part-time heritage and development coordinator.
- Act as staff liaison for the Heritage Committee and oversee all heritage designation work of the committee.
- Act as Secretory- Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment and Appeals.
- Engage with applicants and developers in pre-consultation process for all application including plans of subdivision, official plan amendments, site plan control etc.
- Review development proposal against local, regional and provincial policies and provide report to council and committees with clear professional recommendations.
- Prepare OLT appeal package from the municipal perspective.
Planner
St. Clair Region Conservation Authority
Windsor, ON
09.2022 - 09.2023
- Reviewed and provided feedback on all municipal circulations.
- Engaged in preconsultation with developers, municipality and counties on subdivision, condominium and site plan application and provided direction on natural hazard and natural heritage concerns as provincially mandated.
- Assessed circulations and provided input following various policies such as the Planning Act, Conservation Authorities Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Clean Water Act, Public Lands Act, Aggregates Act etc.
Resource Planner
Essex Region Conservation Authority
Windsor, ON
08.2020 - 09.2022
- Reviewed and provided feedback on municipal planning circulations such as Minor Variance, Consents, Site Plan Control and Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendment, Official Plan Amendment, Plan of Condominium and Subdivision, and Environmental Assessment based on authority position, policies, regulation, and legislation
- Assessed circulations and provided input following various policies such as the Planning Act, Conservation Authorities Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Clean Water Act, Public Lands Act, Aggregates Act
- Acted as liaison between the Authority, the public, federal, provincial, and municipal staff, developers, consultants, real estate agents, and special interest groups concerning the Authority's plan review and regulation service
- Provides support for the development of policy initiatives and position statements for the Authority's planning program, including but not limited to integrated watershed plans, source water protection policy, stormwater management guidelines, and natural hazard and natural heritage planning initiatives
- Conducted primary review of natural hazard for permitting under Section 28 of the CA Act.
Environmental Project Coordinator
Soil Engineers Ltd.
Richmond Hill, ON
10.2016 - 08.2019
- Prepared Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Site Assessment Reports under the Environmental Protection Act
- Prepared letters of reliance and environmental proposals for potential projects that outlined work plans, timelines, budget and scope of work.
- Improved efficiency of environmental projects through effective coordination and communication among stakeholders.
Education
Master of Urban Planning - Urban And Regional Studies
Wayne State Univeristy
Michigan06.2026
Honours Bachelor of Law and Politics - Indigenous Studies
University of Windsor
Windsor, ON10.2023
Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies - Resource Management
University of Windsor
Windsor, ON10.2016
Skills
- Research and analysis
- Land Use Planning
- Project Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Communication
- Leadership
- Report Preparation
- Policy Development
Professionaldesignation
Environmental Professional (EP) in Policy and Legislation 2020-2025
Pre-Candidate Member (OPPI)
Knowledgeandqualification
- Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, and planning instruments
- Clean Water Act, Public Lands Act, Aggregates Act, Conservation Authorities Act
- Knowledge of permitting and appeal processes
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Fluent in English and working knowledge of French
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Professional Working
Additional Information
Chair of two committees at the Rotary Club of Windsor-Wide, leading initiatives and coordinating efforts for community improvement in partnership with other local organization.
Timeline
Town Planner
Town Of Kingsville
08.2023 - Current
Planner
St. Clair Region Conservation Authority
09.2022 - 09.2023
Resource Planner
Essex Region Conservation Authority
08.2020 - 09.2022
Environmental Project Coordinator
Soil Engineers Ltd.
10.2016 - 08.2019
Master of Urban Planning - Urban And Regional Studies
Wayne State Univeristy
Honours Bachelor of Law and Politics - Indigenous Studies
University of Windsor
Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies - Resource Management
University of Windsor