We are pleased to announce that several Strategists will be contributing their expertise at the Canadian Institute of Planners / Ontario Professional Planners Institute Action 2025 National Conference in Toronto. This event brings together planners, thinkers, and visionaries to explore the future of planning in Canada.
Melanie Hare, Partner, will participate in three panel sessions as part of an initiative driven by the College of Fellows called “Canada in 2100,” which focuses on envisioning long-term and sustainable growth for the country. Her first session, “The Search for Canada’s Future Starts with Understanding Our Past,” will examine the historical drivers of population change and how this context informs future growth strategies. Her second presentation, “Planning for the Longer-Term: How Learning to Look 75 Years Ahead Can Help Make Canadian Planners More Effective as a Profession,” emphasizes the importance of adopting a long-term perspective to create impactful and resilient communities. Finally, in the workshop “No Simple Answers: Imagining Canada in 2100 Demands Planners’ Best Efforts,” Melanie will join others to discuss the actions planners can take today to shape a sustainable and prosperous future for Canada.
Eric Turcotte will facilitate the workshop “Flip The Script: Design Charrette with Youth as Experts.” This session brings planners and youth together to reimagine Toronto’s Yonge Street, emphasizing equity, diversity, and inclusion in design. By positioning youth as experts, the workshop encourages a fresh perspective on urban planning challenges.
Leigh McGrath and Emory Davidge will address the session “Complete Communities or Global Socialist Agenda—How Planning Jargon Helps Feed the Conspiracy Theory Pipeline.” Using engaging formats like Planning Jargon Bingo, they aim to clarify misconceptions and promote healthy dialogue about planning terminology and its public perception.
Benjamin Hoff will lead a tour of the recently completed Honest Ed’s/Mirvish Village project, titled “There’s No Place Like This Place, Anyplace!” This site is a notable example of innovative urban redevelopment in Toronto. The project transformed the former Honest Ed’s site—famous for its affordable shopping and iconic neon signage—into a vibrant, mixed-use community featuring affordable housing, micro retail spaces, cultural venues, and community-oriented public spaces. The tour will showcase how this project combines heritage conservation with creative urban design, creating an active, inclusive neighborhood that respects its historic roots while embracing modern city-making strategies.
We are eager to participate in this important conference, with our team members contributing to discussions on sustainable and inclusive urban planning. We look forward to engaging with fellow planners and exploring ways to support thriving communities. Follow our updates on Instagram and LinkedIn from the conference, as we share insights on urban planning’s future impact.