with Purpose and Innovation
Hello,President of the Planning Institute of British Columbia, Adjunct Professor at the UBC School of Community and Regional Planning, I have a passion for leading sustainable, innovative, and award-winning planning projects. Feel the same way? I'm currently accepting speaking and writing engagements, and working as a consultant.
Testimonials
You are such an outstanding planner; well-recognized as one of the best in this region.”
Tom Lancaster
General Manager at Granville Island,
Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation
Emilie, you are an insightful, inclusive leader with a big heart, who asks the right questions and inspires future generations.”
Catherine Rockandel
Past President,
International Association for Public Participation
Your keynote filled me with hope and inspiration — thank you!”
Maya Korbynn
Researcher and Former Graduate Student,
UBC School of Community & Regional Planning
Thank you Emilie for your unwavering passion for planning, your leadership in so many communities, and your dedication and service as Planning Institute of British Columbia President.”
Dan Huang
Past-President,
Canadian Institute of Planners
Thank you for showing us what masterful and motivating storytelling looks like.”
Willow Cabral
Transportation Planner,
Watt Consulting Group
Thanks Emilie for being an amazing instructor, SCARP community builder, and planning leader shaping the next generation of progressive planning professionals.”
Tamim Raad
Principal,
Access Planning
FeaturedCATEGORY:
SustainabilityI formed and led the first Climate Action Team at the City of New Westminster. This was a fun and challenging undertaking. This video answers some of the questions people might have, such as how this work was initiated, how we changed the climate of the organization, and what were our first steps of action.
CATEGORY:
Social JusticeThis video draws from a talk I gave that frames city planning as an act of hope and community-building. I explore the history of urban planning, highlight its aspirational dimensions, and call for justice-oriented, inclusive planning that prioritizes equity, diversity, and human connection. Individuals and communities must engage with urban planning as a collective, ethical endeavour to create cities that reflect our shared values.
FeaturedCATEGORY:
City Planning
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.
Read the full article
CATEGORY:
City 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.
Read the full article
CATEGORY:
Presidency
President’s Report
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.
Read the full article