Following his recognition with the 2026 Emerging Planner Award from the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), Strategist Neil Loewen was featured in a conversation with CIP reflecting on his career, the value of professional connections and the opportunities that come from embracing new experiences.
Presented at CIP’s FUSION 2026 conference in Montréal, the award recognizes emerging professionals making meaningful contributions to the planning profession.
“Planning is a profession built around people and places, and I think our professional community should be just as curious, generous and collaborative as the communities we work to build.” In the interview, Neil also shares his perspectives on the diversity of planning practice across Canada and the common purpose that connects planners working in very different contexts.
We congratulate Neil on this well-deserved recognition and his continued contributions to Urban Strategies and the profession.