June 10, 2026 – The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Emerging Planner Award: Neil Loewen RPP, MCIP and Armi De Francia RPP, MCIP.
This prestigious award recognizes early-career planners who are already making significant contributions to the profession. It honours individuals with less than ten years of professional planning experience who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in their work.
“On behalf of CIP, I am thrilled to congratulate this year’s Emerging Planner Award recipients,” said Deborah Morrison, CEO of CIP. “Planners shape the communities we live in every day, often in ways we don’t even notice. Emerging professionals such as Armi and Neil play an essential role in shaping resilient communities across the country. Through their work, they demonstrate how thoughtful planning can strengthen our communities and protect the health and well-being of future generations.”
Marta Farevaag RPP, FCIP, Chair of the 2026 Honours & Awards Jury, added: “The jury was impressed by the already stellar careers of the candidates for the Emerging Planner Award this year. Armi and Neil were notable for their impact on both the planning profession and their local communities. It is a pleasure to bring their careers to the attention of the national planning community.”
As the national voice of the planning profession, CIP is dedicated to supporting its members throughout their careers, promoting an inclusive and diverse planning community, and advocating for the role of planners in shaping Canada’s future. Together, we are building stronger, more resilient communities that Canadians are proud to call home.
Learn more about this year’s award recipients here.
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For more information or to request an interview, please contact: Lauren Murray (she/her)
Senior Manager, Communications
800.207.2138 x 207
communications@cip-icu.ca
About the Canadian Institute of Planners
The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) works on behalf of over 10,000 diverse planning professionals and has served as the voice of Canada’s planning community since 1919. Planners safeguard the health and well-being of urban and rural communities by addressing the use of land, resources, facilities, and services with consideration to physical, economic, and social efficiency.