John van Nostrand is the Founding Principal of SvN Architects + Planners (formerly planningAlliance and regionalArchitects). Over the last four decades, John has been the driving force behind the firm’s domestic and international planning and urban design practice. He has worked on major urban development projects throughout southern Ontario, focusing in particular on the Greater Golden Horseshoe. At the same time, he has worked in a wide range of developing countries on the planning, design and construction of new communities ranging in size from 150 to 150,000 persons. He has also directed a number of major mine-related housing projects in Africa, Latin America and Canada. John’s projects include a revitalization plan for the Lawrence Allen neighbourhood in Toronto, a comprehensive regional infrastructure and sustainability plan for the Athabasca Oil Sands in Alberta, neighbourhood plans in Seaton, a new town for the First Nation community of Kashechewan in Northern Ontario, a streetscape study for Dundas Street West in downtown Toronto, an Economic Diversification Plan for Thompson, Manitoba and the competition for the Athletes Village for the 2015 Pan American Games.

John’s work has been recognized with a number of national and international awards, including a World Leadership Award for Town Planning, Daniel Burnham Award for Best Comprehensive Plan (for the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe), and numerous Awards of Excellence from the Canadian Institute of Planners. In 2004, he was awarded the annual Jane Jacobs Award for Ideas That Matter for his work in both developed and developing urban settings.

John has been nominated for his contribution to professional practice and to planning and community research.