Conference Themes

Economic Development & Sustainability
One of the most important aspects of planning is the role it has in economic development. Whether a community is urban or rural, high growth or low growth, its planners are vital participants in economic development and work to make their communities sustainable for future generations. But is it enough? How can planning policy pivot to meet always-changing market demands and economic trends, while still maintaining focus on the public interest and sustainability? What is the role of planners in addressing issues such as housing requirements as more people work from home, migration to smaller cities and towns for people who seek to reconnect with outdoor spaces to balance working from home, the influence of changing retail models on Main Streets and neighbourhoods, the development of equitable opportunities to unlock the potential of marginalized communities — all within the scope of economic development and sustainability?  

Technology
Technology influences every aspect of modern life. In one sense, technology is changing how people work and use office space as they transition from tall skyscrapers to mobile or home offices. But how does this affect transportation and how employment centres are planned and used? Towns and cities that were once declining have embraced tech companies as major employers in a public/private partnership, which, in turn, has led to a renaissance and resurgence that is defining the communities of tomorrow. With data and analytics at their fingertips, planners can remake neighbourhoods, enhance services and engage with residents more efficiently and accurately than ever before. At the same time, there are increasing concerns over data usage and privacy – including how information is collected, shared and secured. How can planners use technology to redevelop communities to benefit the public interest? What policies need to be in place to address privacy and ethical concerns?

Essential Questions

OPPI’s Planning Knowledge Exchange (PKE) Committee has developed a list of essential questions designed to provoke new ideas and promote the concept of individuals becoming lifelong learners.