writing

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City planners need to keep on top of changes in terminology at the risk of sounding outdated, or worse, like greenwashers.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.

President’s Report - Winter 2025

Staying at the leading edge of planning requires continuous learning. In this message, I outline ways in which the Planning Institute of British Columbia & Yukon supports planning practitioners throughout their careers, and how, by looking at and learning from the work of others, we can build better communities.

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.

In Baltimore, I reflect on urban redevelopment as both a beacon and battleground for housing equity, racial justice, and community resilience. Observing initiatives like Eager Park’s redevelopment, I draw parallels to British Columbia, highlighting the need for investments that advance affordable housing and address systemic inequities without displacing local communities.

In my first annual report as President, I highlight a transformative year for the Planning Institute of British Columbia, marked by achievements in community engagement, strategic planning, and inclusivity initiatives.

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.

Installment #13:
High-Tech Cycling Infrastructure

This article advocates for a more robust cycling infrastructure in British Columbia, highlighting the importance of promoting low-GHG transportation. Drawing inspiration from European cities, I explore both high-tech solutions — like Trondheim’s bike lift and Copenhagen’s Cycle Snake — and lower-cost alternatives like separated bike lanes.

Installment #16:
Recovery Planning in Puerto Rico

North America is struggling under a confluence of steep challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic; the legacy of systemic racism; and the climate crisis, including the massive forest fires along the west coast of the United States. Each threat compounds and complicates the others. I studied Puerto Rico for lessons to bring home to British Columbia.

Installment #15:
BC Views of Three Asian Cities

I studied three "Asian Tiger" cities and found that many of the solutions we dub "leading-edge" in Canada, including those we refer to as "alternative development standards," are just the ordinary course of business in parts of Asia.

Installment #14:
Portland

In this article, we head south to visit that great bastion of counterculture: Portland, Oregon. There are lessons we can pull from America’s “Most Bike-Friendly City” and “Top ‘Green’ City,” not to mention its “Best Beer Town.” Join me as I touch upon Portland’s greatest planning achievements and compare Portland’s initiatives to ones from across British Columbia.