Welcome to
My Urban Curious Blog:
Authoritative, Affectionate, and Occasionally Absurd
I have been writing about cities, urban design, and the quirks of how people live together for more than twenty-five years. Some of that writing has been technical, or professional. Some has been quirky, or heartfelt. Some has been—let’s be honest here—slightly absurd, usually after an unusually strong espresso.
Real Travel Experiences
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.
The Effects of Bill 3 on BC’s Professional Planners: Consistency or Foolish Consistency?
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.
Lives Lived: A Tribute to Beverly Grieve
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.
Post-Mentorship: Where Are They Now and What Next?
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.