Urban planning is never a one-size-fits-all approach. Each region has its unique challenges, opportunities, and policy frameworks that guide growth and development. As a recent graduate from the Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP) program at UBC and someone now based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), I’ve been transitioning my planning expertise from Vancouver to Ontario’s planning landscape. This journey has deepened my understanding of multi-jurisdictional policies and sharpened my ability to apply planning principles across different regions.
My Planning Experience in Vancouver
During my time in Vancouver, I worked on several planning projects that focused on land use, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability. Vancouver is known for its progressive urban planning policies, including:
- Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy
This plan emphasizes sustainable growth, densification, and environmental preservation, with a strong focus on creating compact, transit-oriented communities. - City of Vancouver’s Official Community Plan (OCP)
The OCP provides a framework for land use, housing, transportation, and climate action, aiming to build livable, inclusive neighborhoods while addressing affordable housing and environmental goals.
My experience working on community engagement workshops and preparing land use reports has equipped me with the skills to align development projects with these policy goals.
Expanding My Knowledge to Ontario's Planning Framework
Since relocating to the GTA, I’ve been expanding my understanding of Ontario’s planning policies to better serve this region’s urban planning needs. Key policies I’ve been studying include:
- Provincial Planning Statement (PPS), 2024: This policy provides overarching guidance for land use planning across Ontario, prioritizing sustainable development, housing affordability, and climate resilience.
- Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH): A critical policy that aims to manage population growth and urban sprawl, promoting intensification in existing urban areas and transit-oriented development.
- City of Toronto Official Plan: This plan outlines Toronto’s vision for sustainable growth, focusing on creating complete communities with transit access, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.
These policies complement my existing skills, allowing me to approach planning projects in the GTA with a focus on regional priorities like housing affordability, public transit expansion, and climate action.
Applying Cross-Regional Planning Knowledge
Transitioning from Vancouver to Toronto has highlighted the importance of adaptability in urban planning. While each region has unique policies, the core principles of good planning—such as sustainability, community engagement, and equitable development—remain constant.
For example:
- In Vancouver, I applied community engagement strategies during workshops with UBC Campus Planning and CityHive, ensuring diverse voices shaped local planning decisions.
- In Toronto, I see a similar emphasis on public participation, as outlined in the Growth Plan for the GGH. My existing skills in facilitating multilingual engagement (English, Cantonese, Mandarin) will help me contribute to inclusive planning processes in Ontario.
Looking Ahead
As I continue my career in urban planning, I’m committed to integrating knowledge from both BC and Ontario to support sustainable, community-driven growth in the GTA. My cross-regional experience positions me well to work on development projects that balance growth with environmental and social goals, in line with local policies.
If you’d like to learn more about my projects or my transition to Ontario's planning context, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.
Learning Significance