Urban and Regional Planning Technician - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - 406 - 606

Ontario College Diploma
Two years
OSAP Checkmark OSAP Eligible
Delve into the concepts, processes and technologies used to create healthy communities.

Program Highlights

Have you ever wondered why our cities and communities look the way they do? Are you curious to learn about how decisions get made in communities? Or do you want to be part of a multi-discipline team that creates new exciting urban areas?

The Urban and Regional Planning Technician - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program will provide you this foundation and knowledge through:

  • Laws and policies that shape our urban environments.
  • Design with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatially representing data.
  • Three-dimensional (3D) visualization software.

Benefit from a full year of work experience with three back-to-back co-op terms. 

Have you ever wondered why our cities and communities look the way they do?

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Admission

  • OSSD or equivalent (Mohawk Academic Upgrading, GED) including:
    • Grade 12 English, C or U or equivalent
    • Grade 12 Mathematics C or U
    • Grade 10, 11 or 12 Design Technology courses recommended

Options are available for mature applicants.


Language Requirements for Applicants with English as a Second Language

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English.

Don't have the necessary requirements?

Tuition and Fees

2024 - 2025 Domestic Tuition and Fees

DescriptionSemester 1Semester 2
Compulsory Ancillary Fees$881.96$785.16
Co-op FeesN/AN/A
Compulsory Program Fees$40.00$0.00
Domestic Tuition$1,354.04$1,354.04
Total Domestic Charges Per Semester$2,276.00$2,139.20
Total 1st Year Fees$4,415.20

Above fees based on full-time September program start date. Contact Student Services to confirm fees for other start dates or semesters.


2024 - 2025 International Tuition and Fees

DescriptionSemester 1Semester 2
Total Tuition & Ancillary Fee$8,525.00$8,525.00
Program Compulsory Fees$40.00$0.00
International Tax Recovery$450.00$375.00
Total International Charges Per Semester$9,015.00$8,900.00
Total 1st Year Fees$17,915.00

If you pay by wire transfer, please note your bank might charge you a fee to transfer money. Make sure your transfer includes the Mohawk payment and the wire transfer fee. This applies to each wire transfer payment you make.

Additional Information

Financial Assistance

When it comes to paying for your education, investing in your future can be more affordable than you think. A Mohawk education is one of the most cost-effective means of acquiring the skills and knowledge you need to have a prosperous and rewarding career. 

As you start on your chosen career path, it's important to have a realistic set of expectations regarding the expenses associated with attending college. In addition to your tuition fees, you will also need to budget for books, supplies, housing, and other related living expenses. You may be able to supplement your income and savings with scholarships, bursaries, or loans. It pays to do some research into what types of financial assistance you may qualify for.

Available Financial Assistance Resources:

Apply for Awards:

By submitting a Scholarships and Bursaries Application every semester, students have access to over $3 million in Mohawk College scholarships, bursaries and Ministry-partnered funding to help meet their financial needs.

Financial Literacy:

Whether saving for school, sticking to a budget, or planning for a major purchase, financial literacy affects us all. That's why Mohawk College is dedicated to helping students improve their financial literacy and become more confident in managing their money.

Course Overview & Descriptions

Click on the course title for a course description.

Experiential Learning

How you’ll gain skills

To learn more, please visit the Centre for Experiential Learning.   

Co-op Format

September to December January to April May to August
Semester 1Semester 2Vacation
Semester 3Work Term 1 (Co-op)Work Term 2 (Co-op)
Work Term 3 (Co-op)Semester 4 

Co-op Delivery and Fees

This program has an optional co-op, as part of the program of study. The annual co-op fee structure can be found on the Tuition and Fees page.

For questions, please contact the Co-op Specialist listed at the bottom of the webpage.

Driver’s License and Vehicle

Please note that the majority of co-op positions for this program require that students have a valid driver’s license ('G' class preferred) and access to a vehicle.

Co-op Work Term Locations

Please note that co-op work terms for Urban and Regional Planning are typically in-person and/or hybrid and require extensive field work.

Co-op Designation

This program offers three co-op work term opportunities but requires two completed co-op work terms for the co-op designation. 

Work Term Capabilities

The Urban and Regional Planning Technician – Geographic Information Systems (GIS) diploma program uses an applied learning model that prepares students for real world experience.  Work-related simulations form the foundation of courses in applied planning law, site planning, subdivision design and community design.

After completing three full semesters of the program, the student will have acquired sufficient knowledge and specialized skill to perform the following activities:
 

  • Review and process development applications through informed interpretation and application of various land use plans and planning instruments governed by the Ontario Planning Act;
  • Prepare site plans and draft plans of subdivision, both manually and with the use of computer-aided drafting (CAD);
  • Apply fundamentals of urban design in land use plans;
  • Contribute to the production of planning justification reports;
  • Utilize the latest Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, basic web development using ArcGIS API for JavaScript, and ArcGIS StoryMaps) to perform spatial analysis, prepare maps and develop basic web apps;
  • Utilize GIS to build technical tools from prototype through to launch;
  • Prepare research reports by performing basic data collection and presentation techniques; and
  • Explain the legal basis of land ownership in Ontario, compare the Registry and Land Titles land registry systems, and identify steps in property purchase and types of land ownership.

 

Co-op Pay RangeCo-op Pay Average
Range: $18.50 - $25.00Average: $21.50

 

For further information, please contact:

Megan Waltenbury, Co-op Specialist
Phone: 365-226-1782
Email: megan.waltenbury [at] mohawkcollege.ca (Megan Waltenbury)

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes, often referred to as ‘Program Standards', set out the essential learning that a student must achieve before being deemed ready to graduate.

In many cases these program learning outcomes were developed by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) in consultation with employers and educators who are experts in the program field. To ensure the outcomes remain current and in line with industry needs, we invite our employers, graduates working in the field and current students to re-examine and update them during regular, ongoing program review focus groups.

Career Opportunities

Your future career options

  • Planning Technician and Technologists
  • CAD Technicians
  • Surveying/GIS Technicians

Where you could work includes:

  • Public and Private Sectors
  • Engineering Consulting
  • Land Development Companies
  • Real Estate and Utility Companies

Opportunities for grads

Educational Pathways

Pathways to Mohawk 

If you've successfully taken a course at another post-secondary institution, you may be able to earn course exemptions toward your credential here at Mohawk.
 

If you have successfully completed one of the following programs at Mohawk, you may be eligible to receive transfer credit in this program. To start a new program at Mohawk, you must apply via ontariocolleges.ca.

Receiving Program

Transfer to

You can transfer from the Urban and Regional Planning Technician - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - 406 - 606 to the following programs:

Mohawk College makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of each transfer opportunity. Please note that changes may occur in program offerings, admission requirements, and transfer credits granted by the receiving institutions. We advise all students to check with the receiving institution directly for the most up-to-date information.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Search ONTransfer.ca for more pathways with Ontario public colleges and universities.

Mohawk College makes no warranty or endorsement of material contained within links to external websites, nor does the College assume any responsibility for the linked website or its contents.

Tech requirements

Technology Requirements

Software
AutoCAD is required for this program. A free download for students is available through the AutoCAD website. To be eligible for this download you must register with your Mohawk email, pass the system requirements test, and provide proof of enrollment (Photo of ONE Card, letter of acceptance, etc.). Note that you can only complete this registration process after your program start date.

Hardware
The Engineering programs recommend the "Best Specifications" as listed on the Student Tech Support Hardware Specifications page.
Note: We do not recommend using a Mac as the software required in this program has many usability issues with their operating system.

 

Additional Information

View Sample Student Projects 

48210  Request for Updates to Program #406 Website_1500x8420.jpg

 

John Van Loon's portrait

Associate Dean: john.van-loon [at] mohawkcollege.ca (John Van Loon)



 

Program Coordinator

Faculty

Contact us

Domestic Canadian Students

Contact Student Recruitment
Haven’t applied yet and have questions?
Contact our Student Recruitment team for information on programs, how to apply, and more.

Contact Admissions
Contact our Admissions advisors for help with your application.
Contact Admissions
Phone: 1-844-767-6871

International Students

Contact International Student Recruitment
Contact our International Student Recruitment team for information on programs, how to apply, and student life.
Contact International
Email: intl.representatives@mohawkcollege.ca
Phone: 1-905-575-2254
Toll free phone numbers:
For general questions: 1-888-Mohawk9 (1-888-664-2959)
North China: 10-800-714-2521
South China: 10-800-140-2541
Brazil: 0800-022-7408
Philippines: 180011102544

Contact International Admissions
Contact our Admissions advisors for help with your application.
Contact International Admissions
Phone: 1-905-575-2254

*Not all programs are international eligible. Please see our programs available for international students.

Accessible Learning Services

Are you a student with a confirmed or suspected disability? Visit our Accessible Learning Services website to discover how we can help you.

Program Coordinator

John Van Loon's portrait

Associate Dean: John Van Loon



 

Canadian Domestic Students

Fennell Campus (FF)
Sep 2025
Open
Online Learning
Sep 2025
Open
Co-op information
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Applied and have questions?
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Program delivery

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Please note: in-person, virtual, and hybrid classes vary according to the program and some programs may be in-person only. Refer to the Program Overview for more information.

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The Urban and Regional Planning Technician - Geographic Information Systems program at Mohawk College is an excellent, well-rounded program that provides students with a full range of technical, academic and professional skills. Holding previous post-secondary education, I found this program especially beneficial for rounding out my skills and helping me get into the workforce. Holding a diploma from the Urban and Regional Planning Technician - Geographic Information Systems program at Mohawk College has helped me get to where I am today because it played a major role in my hiring at an engineering consulting firm. With my knowledge gained from theUrban and Regional Planning Technician - Geographic Information Systems program, I am able to bring another point of view to the design table and assist the engineers and planners in better communication between one another.

– Sarah Rooyakkers, Graduate 2019

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The Urban and Regional Planning Technician - Geographic Information Systems program at Mohawk College was a natural choice for me. I knew I wanted to work in the field of urban planning and design and my studies have provided me with the foundation I need to start my career. The program provides a well-rounded curriculum covering subjects from planning theory and law to advanced AutoCAD and GIS. The instructors bring a wealth of knowledge to the program and their guidance and support was key to my success.

– Manselle Drummond, Graduate 2020

Davin Metheral

With the support of my professors and peers, Mohawk gave me the skills to understand and interpret Ontario’s planning policy and legislation. The various projects and case studies helped me to understand what I would be tasked with in the workplace. The skills gained have provided tremendous insight and knowledge preparing me for various planning environments, including planning consultants or municipalities. I will be continuing my education at Toronto Metropolitan University, taking advantage of the two-year degree completion program.

– Davin Metheral, Graduate 2020