Course subject: Planning (PLAN)

An examination of planning issues related to the design, economics and financing of private land and building construction projects including residential high-rise condominium, low-rise residential subdivision, infill, intensification and brownfield redevelopment and industrial/commerial land development. The course focuses on developer decision-making, analysis of risk, sources of financing, planning, environmental and engineering aspects of land development. This course may include a field component. (Note: If a field trip occurs, the cost will not exceed $50.)

This course offers a critical examination of the innovation, knowledge creation and circulation, and governance processes that underpin contemporary economic development in cities and regions. Strategies, policies and programs that are intended to support and promote innovation and economic development in urban and regional economies are analyzed.

Community Economic Development is a field of theory, process and practice that is concerned with understanding the forces shaping communities and finding sustainable local solutions to economic needs. This seminar course will examine topics such as capacity-building, asset-based strategies, social capital, poverty-alleviation, social enterprises and co-operatives, and comprehensive community initiatives, using international and local examples and case studies.

The course provides an overview and hands-on application of the quantitative analytical methods regularly used by professionals in economic development and related fields. Emerging analytical tools and techniques are explored.

The distinct circumstances of the central business district, the inner city, the inner suburb and the outer suburb are explored in the context of political and economic factors that influence urban planning processes and outcomes. Urban governance, land market dynamics, and urban planning instruments are discussed.

Selected research approaches and methods used in planning research and practice including, for example, survey research, field research, participatory research; methods using existing data; needs assessment research. The purposes of social inquiry, the development of theories, the use of research in policy-making, and the ethical issues associated with social research provide the context for discussing the details of research methods. A course for those with some research skills and wishing to pursue planning-related methods.

This course examines the relationship between the environment (built/physical, economic, social, political and natural aspects) and population health. It focuses on conceptual and empirical links among current environment-health issues such as air quality, active transportation, injury prevention, climate change, and mental well-being. Emphasis is placed on the role of urban planners in collaboration with allied professionals (e.g., public health, engineering, law enforcement, architecture) in creating and maintaining healthy built environments to improve population health with a focus on key health issues. The importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, healthy public policy and effective tools for assessing healthy communities will be illustrated using case studies. *eligible for MES.

A design studio that focuses on design planning for individual sites and small scale developments. Projects integrate critical features: terrain, natural and cultural context, microclimate, infrastructure, and adjacent land uses. Studio seminars, consultation and critiques explore theory and practice in observation, awareness, comprehension, and idea development. (Note: Studio fee of $15 may be charged.)

An exploration of traditional and contemporary theories of urban design and their application in a variety of contexts. This involves study of approaches that lead to improved quality of life within a robust and sustainable urban environment. Topic includes the special, environmental, social, cultural and economic aspects of urban design. Precedents and trends will be analyzed. International viewpoints and case studies are considered. (Note: Estimated material cost to student will not exceed $75.)

This course considers the role of GIS and RS technologies for problem solving and planning decision support in developing countries. Topics covered include the globalisation of information technology and its transfer from developed to developing countries and general aspects of the spatial information technology industry and its relationship to society. *eligible for MES.

Current research and practice in resource and environmental management. *eligible for MES.

This course is a continuation of GEOG 661A/PLAN661A. *eligible for MES.

An ecological approach to planning national and provincial parks, focusing on system planning, master planning and park administration. Examination of the theory and practice of parks planning, utilizing ecological concepts. Recommended: a senior undergrad or graduate ecology course. Estimated additional field trip cost to student: $30.00 *eligible for MES

These courses allow for additions to the program on a short-term basis, and for development of future permanent courses. Eligible for MES (subject to approval of the School of Planning Graduate Officer).

Course content varies according to the instructor availability and demand for specific topics in planning, and may include field courses.

The historical evolution of transit in cities; the technological innovations which made transit possible; and transit mode definitions. Models of transit vehicle motion are presented; transit travel times under different travel regimes are derived. Transit scheduling methods are shown. System operational characteristics are defined and quantitative measures of effectiveness are introduced. Transit network planning objectives are identified; actual geometries are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Transit ownership structures and economics are discussed; contemporary ITS applications are presented. Methods for selecting appropriate transit modes are covered.*eligible for MES

Historical background and development of planning including cultural, philosophical and disciplinary roots; planning theory and its applications in urban, regional, service and environmental areas.

Through a series of case studies students will engage in critically reflecting upon the theories, methods and procedures applicable in the professional practice of planning.

This course is a graduate level introduction into the analytical methods employed in planning research and practice. The broad spectrum of tools, approaches and techniques drawn from quantitative and qualitative traditions will be reviewed. Commonly employed examples will form the basis for developing applied problem solving skills. Operational considerations, critical assessment, and analytical communication provide the important review context.

The nature and implications of key forces of change, trends and current issues are identified in the context of urban and regional planning practice. Case studies, drawn from Canadian and international experiences and challenges, will frame the exploration of evolving, contemporary issues.

This studio course introduces students to the process of collaborative problem solving central in Planning practice. Students work in teams, led by faculty facilitators, in applying theory and knowledge from Planning and related disciplines to problems drawn from the local community planning context. The emphasis is on the development of student skills including design, plan making, teamwork, creativity, negotiation, management, and policy application and creation. Problem based learning, reflection on process and communications are central in this course.

Advanced examination of theories, methods and processes of urban, regional and environmental planning through intensive examination of selected planning problems. Restricted to Planning PhD students.