Plan Canada Spring 2024 Issue
Urban Planning & Public Safety
In today’s world, public safety continuously reasserts itself as one of the most pressing concerns related to community well-being.
Since planners traditionally focus on policies in the public interest, this call for articles recognizes the evolving landscape where safety, in all its dimensions, underlies much of planning work. Therefore, for the first time, Plan Canada welcomes articles on the theme of urban planning and public safety for the Spring 2024 issue.
This call for articles seeks timely contributions that explore the dynamic relationship between urban planning and safety.
Amongst other ideas, contributors may look to:
- Assess the impact of concepts on pedestrian safety and complete streets, and delve into the multifaceted aspects of public safety, mobility, and sense of place at the community, neighbourhood, and city levels to explore innovative and equitable approaches to street design and transportation planning;
- Focus on the intersection of urban design and safety — such as modern interpretations and critiques of concepts like Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) or Jane Jacobs’ “eyes on the street” — to consider how urban planning can contribute to community safety and advance alternative approaches which consider equity, justice, abolitionist theories; and,
- Discuss how planning practices can and should address different facets of public safety (e.g. surveillance, psychological safety, urban design and mental health, climate and natural disasters, environmental racism, conflict, human-induced disorder, or broad pedestrian risk reduction).
In the context of safety and planning, this issue aims to broaden the conversation on public safety and spark dialogue on innovative solutions and collaboration opportunities across sectors. Planners are urged to consider safety not only as a regulatory requirement but as an integral part of creating sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities which support belonging. The Spring 2024 issue seeks diverse contributions, weaving together the complex tapestry of urban planning and public safety in the 21st century.
Submission Deadline: December 18, 2023