Our Services
Planning Appeals
The Planning Act grants applicants, public authorities, and individuals (with exceptions in limited cases) the right to appeal various decisions on Planning Act applications to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
A Planner is required in order to provide expert planning testimony at an OLT hearing in support of your appeal. Without an expert Planning witness, your appeal will not be backed by any planning opinion and will not be successful.
A great Planner will not only serve as your expert witness, but will also review and provide you with an honest, professional opinion of the likelihood of a successul appeal before you even file and pay the OLT fees.
We offer the following services in the area of Planning appeals:
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Review and opinion on Planning Decisions
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Preparation of Affidavits
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Representation as Expert Witness at OLT hearing
Development Planning
Planning applications are required if you are seeking to sever land, construct a building or structure that does not meet the zoning regulations, or add a new use to your property. These applications must be reviewed by Municipal staff. Often, a Planning report to support the development is also required to be submitted before an application is heard.
Hiring a Planner to assist in the submission of the application and to prepare the Planning report offers the best and most efficient outcome for your development proposal.
We offer the following services in the area of development planning:
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Consultation Services on Development Proposals with the proponent and municipal staff
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Preparation of Planning Justification Reports (PJR)
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Filing of Planning Application Forms
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Representation at Public Meetings
Consultation Services
If you are purchasing property for the purpose of development (residential, agricultural, industrial, or commercial), contacting a Planner to review the suitability of the property is essential to ensuring your investment is viable. A Planner can also advise you of new and emerging planning policies which may impact your decision to buy or sell.
We offer the following services in the area of Land Use Planning consultation:
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Review of prospective land purchases
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Real Estate Expert Opinion Letters
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Consultation on Planning policy
About Us
RJ Planner is a Land Use Planning firm specializing in rural and urban development planning projects for public and private sector clients. Our Planners are full members of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), and various other associations.
Our Planners
Rita Jabbour, RPP, Principal Planner
Rita Jabbour is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) and has held full membership with OPPI and CIP since 2018. Rita also holds membership with the Ontario Association of Committees of Adjustment & Consent Authorities (OACA) .
Rita holds a postgraduate degree in Rural Planning and Development (MSc, RPD) from the University of Guelph (2016) and a degree (BA) in History from the University of Windsor (2013).
Rita has more than a decade of progressive professional Planning experience in the public Planning sector as the Manager of a Planning Department, and in the private Planning sector as a consultant for small and large development clients, municipal clients, community groups, and not-for-profits.
Rita's educational and professional background has molded her understanding and appreciation of rural and urban planning issues. Rita recognizes complex Planning issues such as housing affordability and supply, food security and the protection of our agricultural system, access to employment opportunities, and the protection of clean air and water are valued in both rural and planning contexts. This understanding makes Rita uniquely positioned to provide planning services for residents of both rural and urban Ontario without compromising on the Public interest.
In addition to her associations, Rita has also completed the Municipal Land-Related Law unit as part of the Municipal Law Program offered by the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurer of Ontario (AMCTO), and has successfully passed the following Building Code examinations: Powers and Duties of CBO (2012) and On-site Sewage Systems (2012).
Aside from Planning, Rita has many interests but enjoys most, the time she spends traveling North America with her Partner Kevin, spending time with her large Lebanese family and two dogs (Keeper and Bear), cooking, gardening, connecting with nature, and squabbling about the Political climate.
"As a Planner, I have a duty to uphold the Public Interest. The Public Interest is a paramount test for all those who are tasked with making Planning decisions. That duty does not cease in the context of Private sector Planning. I will ensure your application has due consideration for the Public Interest and all elements of the provincial Planning framework and that your development objectives and the objectives of the community are satisfactorily met."​
Yours truly,
Rita Jabbour ​
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Lets Plan.
Tel: (519)-322-7974