Guest Column,
Spacing Magazine

City planners need to keep on top of changes in terminology at the risk of sounding outdated, or worse, like greenwashers. Why do some terms fall out of favour, and new ones take over? I explore the good, bad, and ugly of changing terminology in discussions of the built environment.

See ‘the Drive’ through an urban planner’s eyes. I write a love letter to my imperfect neighbourhood, and ask readers to look around themselves, and share what they see, what they know. By sharing observations with their city — through surveys, public meetings or neighbourhood associations — all residents can advocate for thoughtful interventions that make their community more walkable and vibrant.

Feature Article,
Planetizen Magazine

I attended the 60th Anniversary World Planning Congress in Siena, Italy. This is my take on the city and the experience, spanning between the noble goals and successes of the conference, to the fault lines that have arisen in the International Society of Community and Regional Planning.

This article presents a dialogue between a city planner and an engagement specialist, emphasizing the need for empathy-driven dialogue, moving away from polarized "us vs. them" dynamics and superficial consultations. By fostering trust, relationships, and values-based discussions, the authors advocate for transforming public engagement to better address community needs and complex tradeoffs.

Personal Essay,
The Globe and Mail

I seek — and find — a moment of authenticity in a sea of managed tourist experiences. Real travel experiences transcend any discomfort they may give us in the moment.

This essay takes a critical stance on British Columbia's Building Act (Bill 3), arguing that while consistency is valuable, the rigid implementation of "consistency" may hinder municipalities' adaptability and innovation. Using Emerson's concept of “foolish consistency,” it suggests that the act could impede planners’ ability to respond to new urban challenges.

By Lee-Ann Garnett, Emilie K. Adin, and Heather McNell

Long-time planning colleagues and friends Lee-Ann Garnett, Heather McNell, and I wrote a tribute to houser and planner extraordinaire, Bev Grieve, who sadly passed away in 2019 after a long and very brave battle with brain cancer.

Like many Registered Professional Planners (RPPs), I’m dedicated to giving back to the profession that has given me so much. Since my induction into the Institute, this has included mentoring "launching" planners. This article focuses on five of the over 20 people I have had the privilege to mentor.

Taking on the power of developers … Citizen-led walking tours … Legendary city planning maven Jane Jacobs creates an urban movement to bring cities’ priorities down to the grassroots level.