Canadian Planners at a Crossroads

John Lorinc and Siri Agrell look at the challenges facing candidates for high profile planning positions in major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Halifax, and Vancouver as some fear that amidst the turnover, "the position will be devalued, or submerged in bureaucracy."

The question of the role of chief urban planners is a vital one to address as Canadian cities look to improve livability and sustainability in both suburban and traditionally urban environments. According to Lorinc and Agrell the key question is whether, "fast-growing cities need – or indeed, want – visionary chief
planners? Or do they actually require can-do administrators who have the
contacts and political savvy to deliver change in modern metropolitan
areas?"

Larry Beasley, Vancouver's former co-planning director, is optimistic that the next wave of Canadian planners will be up to the challenge: "The new generation, it's their time to take over," he said. "I think
you're going to see some wonderful new initiatives across the country
over the next few years."

Thanks to Brent Toderian