PlanON Awards Eligibility

PlanON 2026 Vision Award

Eligibility:

• Teams with at least one Full OPPI member in good standing
• The OPPI member must have played a substantial role in the project (as team leader, senior planner, etc.)
• Submissions must be for projects within the province of Ontario
• Project must be built, implemented, adopted, approved, published, etc. 
• Applicants must certify that their client is aware of and supports the submission
• Applicants must own or have approval to share intellectual property for promotion purposes

Questions:

• What contributions did the OPPI member(s) make to the overall success of this project?
• How did this project tackle and aim to solve the most important issues facing the planning profession in Ontario, such as climate change, affordable housing, technology, inclusivity, innovation?
• How did this project exemplify principles of good planning in the public interest such as, considering diverse voices, allied professionals, environmental impacts, short-term needs and long-term vision, and more?
• How did this project consider evaluation as part of the project’s success, including any data/metrics that validate the project’s success?
• How did this project innovate a new concept or creatively refine existing techniques or procedures? 

Attachments:

• Up to two (2) supporting documents that clearly identify the work submitted
• One-page cover letter identifying which pages or information within the supporting documents jurors should review as part of the submission

PlanON Innovative Research Award

Eligibility:

• Student, Pre-Candidate, Candidate, and Full OPPI members in good standing
• Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral theses are accepted
• Applicants must own or have approval to share intellectual property for promotion purposes

Questions:

• What contributions did the OPPI member(s) make to the overall success of this project?
• What emerging areas of planning or new focus areas were explored by your research?
• What are the implications of your research on the planning profession?
• How can the research positively impact the future of the planning profession in Ontario? 

Attachments:

• Up to two (2) supporting documents that clearly identify the work submitted
• One-page cover letter identifying which pages or information within the supporting documents jurors should review as part of the submission
• One (1) letter of support from the advising professor, if applicable

PlanON Emerging Leadership Award

Eligibility:

• Pre-Candidate, Candidate, or Full OPPI members in good standing with less than seven (7) years of planning work experience
• Previous recipients cannot be awarded again

Questions:

• What does being an emerging leader mean to you?
• How do you exemplify the qualities of leadership, collaboration, professionalism, and/or empowering others?
• What recent noteworthy contributions have you made to the planning profession during the first seven years of your career as a planner in Ontario?
• Is there anything else the jurors should consider when reviewing your submission?

Attachments:

• Two (2) letters of support from an employer or planning colleague
• Up to two (2) optional supporting documents

PlanON Volunteer Service Award

Eligibility:

• Any OPPI member in good standing
• Previous recipients cannot be awarded again

Questions:

• What does being an OPPI volunteer mean to you?
• What recent noteworthy contributions have you made in your time as an OPPI volunteer? 
• What qualities have you gained and/or shared in your time as an OPPI volunteer?
• Is there anything else the jurors should consider when reviewing your submission?

Attachments:

• Submissions must be accompanied by two letters of support from an OPPI member
• Up to two (2) supporting documents