TRAINING.

Overview

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the essential functions and significance of urban planning in community development.
• Analyze historical and contemporary planning practices and their impacts.
• Evaluate the roles of policy and legal frameworks in shaping urban environments.
• Navigate current planning challenges and emerging trends in urban development.
• Apply fundamental planning principles to diverse contexts and scenarios.

Description
Urban planning shapes the environments where we live, work, and thrive. It involves understanding the processes, policies, and historical contexts influencing how cities and communities develop. This course offers a deep dive into the essential elements of urban planning, providing a thorough overview for anyone interested in the field. By exploring the foundations of urban planning, participants will gain insights into how urban environments are designed and the critical role planning plays in community development.

The course delves into the various policy and legal frameworks that guide planning practices and addresses contemporary challenges and trends that planners face today. The current planning framework in Ontario will be described, giving participants a regional perspective on planning practices. Participants will learn about the scales at which planning operates, from regional strategies to local neighbourhood plans, and the importance of planning in creating sustainable, functional, and vibrant communities. You will also explore innovative approaches to urban development that respond to evolving societal needs and environmental considerations.

By completing this course, you will be equipped with an understanding of urban planning principles and practices. You'll be prepared to engage in informed discussions and contribute meaningfully to the planning and development processes that shape our cities and communities. This knowledge will enable you to play a proactive role in influencing the future of urban spaces.

Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for professionals whose work involves them directly or indirectly in the planning and development of communities, such as real estate developers, architects, and civil engineers. It is also beneficial for public officials, community activists, and educators interested in understanding urban planning and its impact on everyday life.

Additionally, this course will be particularly insightful for individuals looking to understand how urban planning decisions affect their neighbourhoods or those considering a career change into urban planning.

Please note: You can check other time zones here.

Syllabus

What is Urban Planning?

Planning’s Origins and Influences

• Historic Roots
• The Modern Period

Key Planning Concepts and Principles

• The Public Interest
• Growth Management
• Community Building and Design
• Development Control

Roles and Responsibilities in Planning

• Province
• Municipalities

Planning In Practice Today

• Policy (Provincial Plans, Official Plans)
• Zoning By-laws
• Plans of Subdivision
• Site Plan Control
• Urban Design
• Development Approvals

Current Issues and Themes

• Housing Supply and Affordability
• Healthy, Sustainable and Complete Communities
• Active Transportation and Complete Streets
• Climate Change and Resiliency
• Equity and Diversity

Current Challenges

• Politics
• NIMBYism
• Capacity for Addressing the Problems and Issues

Instructor

Martin Rendl, M.Sc.(Pl.), MCIP, RPP

Martin Rendl is a registered professional planner with more than 40 years of public and private sector experience in planning. His experience includes policy development, special studies, peer reviews, feasibility studies and development approvals. He has been qualified as an expert in land use planning to give evidence in legal proceedings related to planning. 

He has delivered courses on planning for architects and planners and spoken on a range of topics at conferences.