CATEGORY:
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.
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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.
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CATEGORY:
Presidency
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.
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CATEGORY:
PlanGirl Travels
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.
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CATEGORY:
PlanGirl Travels
This article captures a city planner’s journey through Stockholm, experiencing Sweden’s unique balance of urban design, social equity, and cultural principles. Through encounters with everyday city scenes, public spaces, and even Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, I explore how Sweden’s social policies, parental leave, and gender equity deeply influence its urban landscape.
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CATEGORY:
PlanGirl Travels
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.
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CATEGORY:
PlanGirl Travels
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.
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CATEGORY:
PlanGirl Travels
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.
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CATEGORY:
PlanGirl Travels
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.
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CATEGORY:
City Planning
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.
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CATEGORY:
City Planning
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.
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CATEGORY:
Presidency
President’s Report - 2023 Annual
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.
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CATEGORY:
City Planning
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.
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CATEGORY:
City Planning
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.
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CATEGORY:
City Planning
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.
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CATEGORY:
City Planning
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.
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CATEGORY:
City Planning
Herizons
Oct 1, 2018
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.
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CATEGORY:
City Planning
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) regularly brings together ULI members and volunteers with diverse sets of knowledge to offer their time in support of providing strategic, unbiased advice to a non-profit organization or local government. I contributed to the presentation, recommendations, and final report.
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CATEGORY:
City Planning
Cowritten with Sara Jellicoe
Municipalities have their part to play in securing housing for all. Squamish, New Westminster, and Victoria offer examples of how this can be done. By planning for the community we want, and using “The Fairness Principle” in our engagement efforts, we can secure homes for those who need them the most.
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CATEGORY:
Presidency
President's Message - Summer 2023
The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said: “Change is the only thing that endures. Change alone is unchanging.” Change is inevitable, but how we respond to it is not. This was my first President’s Address to the Planning Institute of British Columbia's 2,000 members.
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CATEGORY:
Presidency
President's Message - Fall 2023
It’s not fancy titles that show us who the leaders are, but a commitment to use your skills and knowledge as agents of change. We need you. This is my second address to membership.
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CATEGORY:
Presidency
President's Message - Winter 2024
Inspired by an episode of The Ezra Klein Show, I highlight four self-care pillars: setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, aligning values with actions, and exercising power thoughtfully. These steps are essential for planners to cultivate resilience and integrity in their professional and personal lives.
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CATEGORY:
Presidency
President's Message - Spring 2024
The best event I’ve been to in ages was a social in Prince George, British Columbia, held jointly by the Planning Institute of British Columbia North Chapter and UNBC planning students. Meeting up-and-comers in the planning profession, including students and recent alumni, made the evening sing. “You had me at ‘hello.’” This is my fourth address to Planning Institute of British Columbia members.
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CATEGORY:
Presidency
President's Message - Fall 2024
Amidst rapid shifts in housing needs and infrastructure across British Columbia and Yukon, I reflect on how the Planning Institute of British Columbia & Yukon is embracing transformation internally to better support planners facing 2024’s challenges.
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