Region 2: AB/NT/NU

I will advocate to solidify parks related policy applications as an integral tool in the municipal toolbox to help address societal disorders (i.e., addictions, crime, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, etc.). In addition to the well documented ecological goods and services of parks, recreation and leisure opportunities can provide inclusive places connecting with multi-generational and multicultural friends and neighbours of all ages, incomes, sexuality, mobility and education. Parks provide places of physical activity, solitude and stress relief, and connection to the natural world. In addition, I will advocate to explore and better understand how neurodivergent populations can be better enveloped into our planning processes for the benefit of all participants. In my advocacy and teaching at the University of Alberta, I will continue to be committed to the diversity goals of CIP.

Brief Biography

Allow me to introduce myself! I began my planning career in 1982 with the City of Edmonton. I am a MCIP, RPP, kinda-retired parks planning specialist (35 years and counting), former director of Parks Planning with the City of Edmonton, and former APPI board member. Currently I am sessional lecturer at the University of Alberta Urban Planning Program, a parks vlogger (Parks are Like Icebergs on Substack), and board member on the North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society.

I was the primary lead responsible for the development of the Edmonton 2006-2016 Urban Parks Management Plan – an award winning policy plan/master plan (i.e., Alberta Recreation and Parks Association). That plan was the first parks plan in Edmonton that formerly accommodated natural areas and community gardens. I was Parks Planning Director when the Riverview Area Plan was negotiated and approved, while simultaneously overseeing 20 staff, and managing multi-million-dollar capital budget development and implementation processes.

Over time I have presented at multiple, local, provincial, and national urban planning, and parks and recreation conferences, and an international academic conference (i.e., American Association of Geographers).

In 2019 I successfully completed a PhD at the University of Alberta at the age of 63! My dissertation used institutional theory to analyze parks decision-making in Edmonton in the 1960-2010 period.

I am an avid traveller/parks nerd who has visited parks across Canada and parts of Europe (Italy, Turkey, Germany, Netherlands). My wife and I have two very compassionate adult offspring!

Region 5: ON

I believe strongly in the concept of service and have been fortunate to serve our profession in various capacities over the years.  I am excited about the future of our profession and the Canadian Institute of Planners.  If selected as the Director for Region 5 (ON), I will bring my combined experience in leadership, governance, strategy and operations to strengthen CIP’s governance frameworks, ensure that it is fiscally sustainable and continues to provide high quality services to members.  I will do this by collaborating with my board colleagues, staff, volunteers and other stakeholders to drive implementation of the five focus areas in CIP’s strategic plan.  I am fully supportive of Canada’s 50-30 challenge and CIP’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Roadmap and look forward to seeing them implemented at CIP.

 Brief Biography

Jason Ferrigan, RPP, MCIP, MScPl is an award-winning planner with 25 years of progressive experience in the public, private, institutional and non-for-profit sectors.  His work has taken him across Ontario and into Quebec, Alberta, the United States and the Caribbean, where he worked on a wide range of assignments. Jason’s efforts have been recognized for excellence and innovation at the provincial and national levels.  

Jason is a proven leader who believes strongly in creating high-trust environments that empower and drive conversations, innovation and action.  He is motivated to achieve balance between competing interests, deliver results and create positive change.  Jason is a Principal Associate and Chief Planner with J.L. Richards & Associates Limited, where he leads the Planning Team and advises public and private clients on projects across Ontario. 

Jason is actively involved in the community and planning profession.  He is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners’ Governance Committee and the Health Science North Long Range Planning Committee.  He also mentors several planners on their path to professional certification.  He was a member of the Rotary Club of Sudbury for several years.  He also served on the Council for the Ontario Professional Planners Institute for 8 years, including President-Elect (2015-2017) and President (2017-2019).

My goal is for CIP to be an organisation that grows, listens and evolves to be the gathering place for planners across the Country. CIP has been through some rough times in the first 100 years and future boards will help guide the next 100 years. My goal is to deliver value to our members for programs and services that CIP delivers to establish a strong foundation for the next 100 years.

Brief Biography

Registered Professional Planner with over 21 years of experience providing outstanding leadership and sound planning decisions to municipalities big and small. I have lead planning teams, worked in both development and policy planning and developed a high skill in governance and appeal issues.

Region 6: QC

In this second mandate, if chosen by the membership, I have several priorities on which I want to continue to advocate to provide member value.  I want to focus on advancement and promotion of bilingualism of the Institute, growing our membership across the country, further strengthening our brand and public recognition as trusted professionals, supporting and promoting CIP as the interconnected voice on shared issues of our provincial and territorial institutes and associations, and ensuring the continued financial sustainability of the Institute.

Prior to the CIP Board, I volunteered as a member of the CIP Honours and Awards Jury adjudicating applications for national recognition of excellence.  I currently serve on the APPI Planning Awards Committee in a similar capacity, recognizing excellence in Alberta.  I have also served as Director and Secretary of the CIP-ICU Planning Students Trust Fund, our national charity for scholarships and bursaries, from 2019 to 2022.

I am very excited for the upcoming term to join with current and new Directors to support and promote the planning profession and the role we all play in building better communities.

Brief Biography

An experienced leader focused on advancing legislative and regulatory initiatives in land use planning, with particular emphasis on rural and conservation issues. With over 20 years of experience in the municipal and federal public service, I work on complex and multidisciplinary community planning projects in policy and program development, service delivery improvement, change management, public and Indigenous consultation.  My nationally focused experiences across the county are particularly relevant to CIP governance and advancing the profession throughout Canada.

I live and work in Gatineau, Quebec.  Since 2022, I have been the Senior Strategic Advisor on land use planning issues for the Alberta region at Parks Canada. I lead intergovernmental negotiations and service delivery projects in the mountain parks.  I have been with the Agency since 2016 as the most senior professional planner, leading interdisciplinary teams protecting Canada’s national parks, national historic sites, and conservation areas.

A graduate of Guelph’s Rural Planning and Development program, I am an urbaniste with L’Ordre des urbanistes du Québec, an RPP with the Alberta Professional Planners Institute, an affiliate member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.   I was previously registered with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute involved in northern Ontario planning.  I have received multiple awards for policy development including the Public Service of Canada Award of Excellence. I am passionate about supporting outdoor-related causes and conservation issues within the Ottawa River watershed.  My mission is to contribute to the protection and enhancement of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage through sound and sustainable land use planning.

Our strength as an Institute comes from having great leaders. With 1,835 Days of Impact start for Change outlined in the CIP Strategic Plan 2022-2027, we must coordinate CIP’s values with the development of a Bold Leadership Program enabling participation, education and relevancy for our Institute and profession. Leadership skills, education and experience are essential to a planner’s daily work. The more planners we have in leadership roles the better the value of planning is understood.

I believe that the Institute must act as a catalyst, provide essential resources driving each member forward. If elected I will advocate for (i) improving the Leadership Program for all career stages and commitment levels, and for (ii) reviving the Awards for Planning Excellence Program to support positive change in every community, francophone and anglophone, from coast to coast.
Our Time to act in Now, Together for Leadership and Excellence in Planning!

http://www.olimpia-pantelimon.com

Your Vote matters!

Brief Biography

Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), Mrs. Pantelimon is a Registered Professional Planner in Alberta and Quebec with 15+ years of city planning and management experience across Canada.

Olimpia has been recently recognised by the Institute of Public Administration Canada (IPAC) for excellence in government policy for her leadership on the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Training Regulation and program. As Senior Planning Advisor with Municipal Affairs, as chair of the CIP Healthy Communities Committee, expert advisor to the Metropolis International Institute, and member of the US Green Building Council LEED for Cities and Communities Working Group, Olimpia has drafted, facilitated and enabled policy and programs development in synergy with federal/provincial departments and agencies. As expert Peer Reviewer for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Green Municipal Fund (GMF), Olimpia has evaluated, and reported on Sustainable Affordable Housing plans, capital projects, and other GMF programs. Olimpia’s expertise, built on superior systems thinking, political acumen, grit, excellent editing skills, technical knowledge and leadership was effective translated in practice while managing interdisciplinary teams to success.

She served on the CIP National Affairs Committee, and as Chair Healthy Communities Committee she facilitated the development of the 2018 Healthy Communities Policy fostering vibrant environments and active lifestyles for all Canadians, and, continued to support the planning community as member and chair of the CIP Awards for Planning Excellence Jury, the CIP Planning Student Trust Fund Jury, the APPI Events and Journal committees, and as Healthy Communities representative for APPI and OUQ.

Director-at-Large

In the first 20 years, I was privileged to have delivered seminal policy research and advice on varied topics such as regional growth management, transportation greenhouse gas performance targets, transit priority measures, apartment parking supply and utilization, transit-oriented affordable housing policy, and mobility pricing. Looking ahead, I will continue to make sense of complex systems and advance equitable actions. Now, at the mid-point in my career, I feel much more assured in my ability to give back to the profession that has given so much to me. I currently serve on the CIP Honours and Awards Jury and CIP Plan Canada Editorial Committee. It would be an honour to serve on the CIP Board in these extraordinary times for planners across the country, and to advance CIP’s mission. Thank you for your consideration.

Brief Biography

With gratitude and humility, I am a second generation Canadian born and raised on the unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples now known as the City of Vancouver. I reside in Vancouver with my partner and daughter.

I have an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. For 20 years, I have worked at the forefront of transportation and land use planning and policy in Metro Vancouver, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles County.

My personal mission is to use public policy, partnerships, and advocacy to improve the conditions of cities for all residents, particularly those with lower incomes or who are systemically disadvantaged. My passion is evidence-informed planning and policy development, with a particular interest in making transit-oriented communities be more equitable.

Brief Biography

Born and raised in Montreal and Ottawa, Michal Kubasiewicz has been working in the planning field since 1977 and has been a member of CIP since 1980. His career has included experience in the public sector with the City of Edmonton, the City of Winnipeg, and the Province of Manitoba, and in the private sector with a national real estate investment fund and various real estate investment and development firms. Currently, Mike is Director of Development for a Winnipeg-based construction company specializing in multi-family housing and mixed-use projects on greenfield and infill sites in communities across Canada. Mike is a graduate of the planning school at the the University of Waterloo and the MBA program at the University of Manitoba. His professional interests include housing affordability, urban design, transportation planning, fiscal sustainability, and corporate governance. Mike’s board experience includes six years of service on the Council of the Manitoba Professional Planners Institute as Treasurer, President, and Strategic Planning Committee Co-Chair; six years of service as a director, treasurer, and chair of the board of a licensed non-profit child care centre; and leadership roles in other academic, cultural and community service organizations.

Brief Biography

I have graduate degrees in both Architecture and Urban & Regional Planning, and 15+ years of professional pre-design, and facility planning experience, having specialized in capital infrastructure and facilities planning. I have worked on pre-design planning projects in multiple sectors, including the health, education, and civic sectors. I also have policy experience (Province of B.C.), and am currently employed at the University of British Columbia (Sr. Planner).

Some of the planning skills that I specialize in include:

• Effective Stakeholder Consultation: all of my facilities projects have included a variety of stakeholder engagement- from group workshops to individual interviews and questionnaires. I have been facilitating stakeholders in project work for 15+ years
• Policy Development: experience in the maintenance and update of policies and procedures and knowledge of the Provincial standards and requirements for energy step code, carbon step code, and accessibility requirement updates
• EDI: I have training in GBA+ (Intersectionalities), which is an EDI toolkit used by public sector to ensure policy, programs and places are equitable towards all people. I am currently training for the Rick Hansen Foundation Certification
• Efficient Project Management: I have 15+ years of managing planning projects, ranging in scale and scope. This includes space planning, stakeholder consultation, procurement of consultants, design development, obtaining cost estimating and contract management
• Workplace Planning: as a Workplace Planner for BC Government, I used Leading Workplace Strategies for BC Government staff; this work included Change Management for new users of new spatial environments

Brief Biography

I have been a practicing Planner in the planning and architectural sector since 1980. I have worked with LM Architectural Group, Number TEN Architectural Group (Winnipeg), SvN Architects + Planners (Toronto) and Wiser Projects (Victoria). My focus has been on non-profit organizations, historic buildings and churches. My practice includes feasibility studies, functional programs and operational and management plans. In addition to planning, I have written and researched in the areas of accessibility, sustainability, housing, high performance buildings, energy efficiency, professional standards and practice, human rights and stakeholder engagement practice. I am currently working with Aequum Access (Toronto) as an Accessibility Consultant with clients in BC and ON.

I am a Governor of the National Trust for Canada and an Advisor to the Trinity Centres Foundation. I am a past Board member of the Council for Canadian Urbanism and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects Accreditation Council. 

My education includes a Master of City Planning, Faculty of Architecture, University of Manitoba; the Institute of Corporate Directors and the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management ICD Program for non-profits; and the Kellogg Executive Management Program, Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University, Chicago. 

Student

I have a rich breadth of planning-related and leadership experiences spanning across the nation that have fostered a solid understanding of organizational governance, process, goal-setting, and action-taking. Similarly, my central roles in planning student societies on both coasts provides me with a comprehensive understanding of challenges and opportunities facing students who are aspiring planners. I feel confident in my ability to represent these interests and perspectives at the national CIP level.

Brief Biography

Willow Cabral is an early-career urbanist who is passionate about all things community. She is in her final semester of the Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP) program at the University of British Columbia, and completed her undergraduate in geography and urban studies at the University of Toronto. With a passion for sustainability, equity, and place-making, Willow has been involved in many exciting planning projects across the country through professional and volunteer work. She has a strong desire to foster connections between people and place, and has experience in various student leadership positions, such as being the current President of the UBC Planning Students’ Association and past President of both the UofT Urban Studies Student Union and Toronto Undergraduate Geography Society. After attending her first CIP conference in Ottawa in 2019, Willow felt inspired and driven to join, meaningfully contribute to, and advance the planning field.

This allowed me to move beyond an understanding of my personal experiences to begin to better empathise and consider the unique and complex challenges individuals experience in academic and professional settings. In a role as CIP Student Director, I would bring both my own personal experiences and connect with students within planning programs across Canada to inform the implementation of Canada’s 50 – 30 Challenge, CIP’s reconciliation statements, as well as CIP’s interests and objectives of empowering equity, diversity, and inclusion in planning.

Brief Biography

I am a first year Masters student of Planning at the University of Waterloo. As a candidate for CIP’s Student Director, I aim to critically engage with CIP and Canadian planning students regarding the roles and responsibilities of planners in shaping human and natural relationships, as well as equity through space. I have experience in several student leadership roles including as the Accessibility Representative for undergraduates at the University of Manitoba, and as a Sustainability Representative, Accessibility Representative and Treasurer within faculty student groups. These leadership opportunities provided me with experience communicating with students on the many and varied issues they faced. I presented and discussed these topics with those in positions of power within the university structure, in efforts to move towards spaces that addressed both the needs and interests of students. I have had employment experiences with a variety of organizations where I have sought out opportunities to learn form both people and spaces I am seeking to better understand through active listening and engagement, which I would continue if chosen to represent students on the CIP Board of Directors.

In my capacity as a student director at the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), I am fully committed to advancing the organization’s vision and mission: “To cultivate inclusive and vibrant communities, respectfully interconnected with the natural world, for the well-being of present and future generations.” Additionally, I am resolute in supporting our members, enhancing the Canadian planning landscape, and advocating for priority issues to yield substantial collective impact.

I am deeply enthusiastic about this role, as it provides me with the opportunity to make substantive contributions to the community through the lens of planning. I am particularly eager to leverage my adept organizational acumen, impeccable time management skills, unwavering work ethic, and commitment to excellence to drive forward the CIP’s long- and short-term objectives.

Brief Biography

I am Nikkitta Fame, a Certified Architect registered with the “Council of Architecture-India.” I earned my Bachelor of Architecture from Christ Deemed to be University, where I also held the role of student representative on the student council at the school level (2021–2022). Currently, I am pursuing my Master of Community Planning at Vancouver Island University, concurrently representing both the Canadian Institute of Planners and the faculty of Social Sciences as a student representative.

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have garnered extensive experience and expertise. As an architectural intern at esteemed firms such as “Ellis and Jorim” and “S Squared,” I contributed significantly to a wide array of architectural and interior design projects. Post-graduation, I worked as a junior architect and held a GIS internship at Avakaza Geo-Science Research & Technologies. My responsibilities encompassed ideation, strategic planning, and the development of innovative design concepts. Beyond my architectural endeavors, I’ve also demonstrated a passion for innovation, resulting in the filing of my first design and utility patent in India.

In addition to my design pursuits, I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals grappling with childhood trauma and facilitating their journey towards healing and fulfillment. With this aim in mind, I have also completed a Master’s in Life Coaching.

My dedication to the field of architecture and urban planning remains unwavering, and I look forward to contributing further to the built environment through my work and endeavors.

I am interested in applying for the Student Director position on the CIP Board of Directors because I believe that the profession of planning is uniquely positioned to help solve this, and other significant challenges Canada is facing today, such as the housing crisis, rapid population growth, curtailing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate resilience, and creating more equitable public spaces. In this role, I would aim to advocate for the perspectives of not just planning students, but all those in Canada who are leaving young adulthood and entering into a reality that, for many, appears daunting and at times hopeless. Primarily, I want to ensure the profession is well informed and equipped to face these challenges and help plan for a Canada in with youth like me can find strength, opportunity, and hope for a better future.

Brief Biography

Hailing from the beautiful west coast of Newfoundland, Noah got his start in leadership early on, serving as Student Representative Council President, as well as in leadership roles in various other school groups and clubs at his high school in Corner Brook, NL. After finishing high school, Noah spent 5 years studying at Memorial University in St. John’s, NL where he obtained a Bachelor of Commerce Honors (co-op), a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science with first class standing, and a Certificate in Economic Policy. As part of this program, he also completed work terms with various levels of government, including federal and provincial, and in the private sector. Despite this significant academic workload, Noah still found time to remain involved in his community as an elected town councillor with his home town of Irishtown-Summmerside.

During this time, Noah also found opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors, hiking, kayaking, camping, running, and swimming his way around the island. He also had opportunities to persue his passion for travel, having studied in Dublin, Ireland for a term. During this time he also ventured through much of Europe in a quest to explore the variety of urban environments and historic places the continent has to offer. Today, Noah finds himself in Winnipeg working towards a Master of City Planning at the University of Manitoba, having taken the time to dip his toes in the sea of planning by working with the Town of Torbay’s Planning department during Summer 2024.

As a student board member, my vision is to leverage my diverse background to champion EDI policies, amplify marginalized voices, and cultivate inclusion within the planning community and beyond. Collaborating with fellow board members, my goal is to enact meaningful change by advocating for equitable opportunities and facilitate the planning profession in creating vibrant, inclusive communities.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the transformative work of the Canadian Institute of Planners. Our focus on EDI is paramount, ranging from ensuring equitable access to housing to fostering healthy communities that actively address climate change. I envision a future where every community is thoughtfully planned and designed to prioritize the well-being of every individual. Fairness and inclusivity serve as the foundational principles guiding my advocacy efforts. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to learn and contribute at a national level, grounded in a student lens, engaging in impactful conversations about creating inclusive spaces for all.

Brief Biography

Tharini Prakash, a Master of Community Planning Student, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. With a robust background in Architecture and a history of working on global projects in Dubai, she embodies a multidimensional approach to planning and governance. In their current role as Planning Research Assistant at Mount Arrowsmith Regional Research Institute, they are deeply engaged in shaping the planning landscape across Vancouver Island.

At the heart of Tharini’s learning journey is her unwavering advocacy for students, demonstrated at varying levels from acting as the CIP Student Representative to writing about student housing needs in a local newspaper. Recognized as a Graduate Student contributing to UN’s Sustainable development goals, Tharini’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity mobilization is palpable in her work history, particularly her focus on Indigenous planning. Currently, she actively collaborates with Indigenous communities across Vancouver Island, navigating culturally sensitive urban developments and fostering meaningful relationships recognizing value in every conversation, sharing lived and learnt experiences.

Tharini’s dream is to bring their unique blend of creativity, critical thinking, and community spirit to the Canadian Institute of Planner’s Board of Directors, the planning ecosystem, and beyond. They envision a future where cities are not just spaces but vibrant, inclusive communities that reflect the needs and dreams of everyone knitted into the urban fabric. With a colorful toolbox of skills and a heart full of dedication, Tharini is ready to roll up their sleeves and make a real difference in shaping tomorrow’s places and spaces.