Master of City Planning student work

Faculty of Architecture

Case-in-Point projects

2016

Evan Allan MCP (in collaboration with Dave Jopling MCP MCIP and Meagan Boles): The Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Zoning Innovation in Rosser CentrePort
Deepa Chandran MCP (in collaboration with Noah Yauk, Planner and Robert Nufeld, Executive Director): Decolonization of Indigenous Communities through Collaborative Planning: Study of Merchants Corner Redevelopment Project, Winnipeg
James Cook MCP (in collaboration with Justin Rebello, MEDes): Anderson Station: Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in Calgary
Brittany Curtis MCP (in collaboration with Chris Baker MCP, Planner with MMM Group): Completing Streets in Winnipeg: Creative Strategies to Engage the Community
Michael Erlanger MCP (in collaboration with Peter Sampson MAA): Bike Lab at the University of Winnipeg
Holly Ervick-Knote MCP (in collaboration with Jino Distasio Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation; Director, Institute of Urban Studies, University of Winnipeg): Moving From Knowledge to Action:
Lessons for How Place Typologies Can Be Used to Inform Policy
Ashley Kostyniuk MCP (in collaboration with Andrew Wallace MArch, MSAA, MRAIC): Losing Saskatoon’s Tangible History: When Heritage Preservation Falls Short
Andrew Macaulay MCP (in collaboration with Andrei Friesen MCP MCIP and Sheri Grift MSc, PAg): Collaborative Planning in Action: Lessons from the Carman-Dufferin Planning District
Philip Mikulec MCP (in collaboration with Scott McCullough MCP, MCIP): True North Square: A critical examination of privately owned public space
Meleana Searle MCP (in collaboration with Andrea Hudson MCP): Growing in the City Regulatory Amendments to Support Small-Scale Urban Agriculture in Victoria, BC
Jason Syvixay MCP (in collaboration with Dr. Jino Distasio PhD): Getting the Job and Keeping It: Making the case for a work-skills program for homeless participants of At Home/Chez Soi
Derek Yau MCP (in collaboration with Mo Bot RPP, MCIP): Working in tandem: The role of planners in Edmonton’s 102nd & 83rd Avenue separated bike lane projects

2015

2014

2013

2012

Thesis and practicum projects

2020-2021

Emily Halldorson

Advisor: Dr. Sarah Cooper

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom, Dr. Judith Harris, Dr. Bronwyn Dobchuk-Land (Criminal Justice, University of Winnipeg)

This thesis examines supportive housing facilities serving criminalized Indigenous women in Winnipeg, Ottawa and Greater Vancouver. Inspired by her own experiences working for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba and concern about the mass imprisonment of Indigenous women, the author draws attention to community-based supportive housing as an alternative to imprisonment and a re-entry tool. She investigates housing facilities and programs offered by three local Elizabeth Fry Societies, considering the purposes they serve within the criminal justice system, within communities and in the lives of criminalized Indigenous women. Connections are made between the aims of these facilities and programs, the aims of socially-just urban planning and the goals of reconciliation outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action (2015). As a practitioner-researcher, the author is action-oriented and seeks to highlight organizations that, while operating with limited funding and within the confines of a restrictive and punitive system, try their best to provide meaningful opportunities for women.

Keywords: transitional housing, supportive housing, criminalization, imprisonment, incarceration, re-entry, reintegration, reconciliation

2019-2020

Ervick-Knote, Holly MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: James Platt MCP RPP MCIP (City Planning); Sheri Grift (Manitoba Agriculture)

Farm consolidation is a continuing trend across Canada and within Manitoba. At the same time, there is a growing movement toward supporting local food production and consumption in Manitoba and across Canada. This major degree practicum project uses document analysis, mapping analysis, and semi-structured interviews to examine how the City of Winnipeg could better support small-scale food production, as well as to identify areas of Winnipeg’s peri-urban space that could benefit from creation of a regulatory framework establishing small-scale food production. This research found that strong leadership is needed to ensure preservation of high quality agricultural lands near urban areas, policies that establish and permit a greater variety of agriculture forms and scales help to better support agriculture in cities, and there is significant opportunity for agricultural development within Winnipeg’s peri-urban space. Five recommendations for action are provided including provincially mandating farmland preservation, incorporating small-scale food production and other related uses into the City of Winnipeg’s zoning by-law, and creating an advocacy body for local producers.

Keywords: urban agriculture, small-scale food production, small-scale agriculture, peri-urban agriculture, regional planning, farmland preservation, Winnipeg

Lagassé, Natalie MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Dr. Iain Davidson Hunt RPP MCIP; Jim Thomas RPP MCIP (HTFC)

Over the last century land conversion has led to natural land loss and fragmentation in the Rural Municipality of Ritchot. This loss has changed the composition and configuration of biological elements in the landscape altering biodiversity and contributing to a degradation of ecosystem services. Climate change is expected to increase the potential for flooding, drought, heat stress, fire, and pest problems, and alter terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem. This threatens to further alter biodiversity and ecosystem services by reconfiguring ecosystems and their associated functions as they respond to anticipated effects. Building resilience into the landscape requires a balance between land use pressure. The ecological network planning approach balances these priorities by connecting fragmented ecosystems to support biodiversity and ecological function within a human land use context. Using the Sustainable Land Planning Framework and GIS spatial analysis, the research quantified landscape ecosystem composition and configuration of a sample site in the Rural Municipality of Ritchot. The research determined that natural lands consisted of forest, grassland, wetland, and riparian ecosystems, were fragmented, and occupied substantially less area than their historical range. These natural lands are found within an agriculture dominant landscape with clustered settlement. The ecological network was developed to reflect natural land clusters, and ecosystem patches were prioritized for protection and restoration according to size and proximity criteria. Prioritized sites have greater potential to support biodiversity and ecosystem services and their conservation and restoration may help build landscape resilience into the municipality. Further application requires greater understanding of species and genetic level biodiversity and abiotic biophysical characteristic that shape the landscape to confirm and quantify ecosystem services. Also, application would require a greater focus on agricultural lands to identify how productive lands can contribute positively to the ecological network and support biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Ecological Network Planning, Climate Change, Policy, Natural Land Loss, Fragmentation, Landscape Composition, Landscape Configuration

Russell-Edmonds, Jessica MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Dr. Rae Bridgman; Michael Dudley MCP (University of Winnipeg)

Cycling is recognized as an important mode of transportation. It is affordable, produces no greenhouse gases, provides a form of exercise, and requires infrastructure that is cheaper to build and maintain compared to personal vehicles. However, in low-cycling countries like Canada, women comprise a disproportionate share of total cyclists, between 20-30%, which has implications for equity, and the health of the population and environment. The academic literature offers few, and only theoretical, solutions to improve the gender disparity, all of which are theoretical. This practicum fills a portion of this gap by identifying real world interventions that assist women to cycle and asking how these could be implemented in Winnipeg. A precedent review returned ten interventions including women-specific cycling courses, events, rides, and mentorship programs. Key informant interviews with Winnipeg cycling advocates provided a better understanding of Winnipeg’s cycling environment, and how the interventions could be implemented in the city. Some were considered feasible to implement while other interventions were too context specific. Two barriers hindering efforts to adopt interventions supportive of women who cycle or wish to, are the continued emphasis on physical bicycle infrastructure and the belief that programming targeted to the general population is sufficient. The findings provide several opportunities for further research including: completing the precedent review in additional languages and conducting a focus group with municipal transportation planners and bicycle advocates to better understanding the barriers identified in this practicum and determine the next steps for reducing the gender disparity in Winnipeg.

Keywords: gender, women, cycling, mobility, precedents, Winnipeg

So, Calvin MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Dr. Babak Menhan (Civil Engineering); Alex Regiec MCP (Public Works, City of Winnipeg)

Transit network analysis is an emerging field in transportation planning. This practicum addresses the issue of declining transit ridership in many North American regions and the trend towards rethinking transit networks to improve ridership and transit modal share. While there is existing research reporting on large cities such as Houston and Seattle, the focus of this practicum is on transit agencies in mid-sized regions having a population serving area between 100,000 and 1,000,000 residents, with two case studies in Columbus and Kansas City. Redesigning a transit network requires transit planners to carefully consider current land use patterns, ridership/coverage ratio, and most importantly the political environment. The process typically will take years to accomplish. Columbus took four years to successfully roll out their redesigned network to positive results, while Kansas City is in its first full year of planning for a network redesign strategy and are encountering numerous obstacles unique to the region. In addition to examining how to redesign transit networks for better efficiency, this practicum identifies other innovative strategies transit planners are considering in improving ridership and modal share, such as microtransit, universal transit passes, and low-income transit passes. While most of the research focuses on transit agencies in Columbus and Kansas City, several elements can be applied to other transit agencies that are considering a redesign of their transit network. A questionnaire was developed that was sent to all North American transit agencies in mid-sized regions, and five planners were interviewed in Columbus and Kansas City to learn more about the process of transit network restructuring. Findings and recommendations include determining the optimal balance between providing ridership and coverage service in the transit network, realizing that transit network restructuring is a long-term process, and remembering there are other tools that can be used to attract riders such as rider incentives and microtransit. Future research opportunities can include a focus on Canadian transit agencies, winter cities, how transit agencies balance providing frequent bus service in major corridors and coverage service elsewhere, and revisiting Kansas City after they complete their transit network restructuring process.

Keywords: Transit planning, transit network, transportation, Columbus, Kansas City

Wakley, Michael MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom; Jonathan Hildebrand MCP RPP MCIP (City of Winnipeg)

Universities are traditionally focused on education and research, yet in a shift toward more entrepreneurial activities, some universities are using their large physical institutions and land base for land development projects and to demonstrate sustainability initiatives. While a move to market-based activities has been criticized for straying too far from the academic mission at the core of a university, supporters point to the new revenue stream from land development as a means to contribute to the University’s academic mission. As a politically autonomous institution from neighbouring municipalities and the regional government, and with its land use and permitting authority, UBC is ambitiously undertaking major urban development projects on its land. To understand how UBC arrived at its current context, this case study focuses on the key features, figures and processes of property development, land use planning and sustainable development undertaken at the University. Using document analysis and semi-structured interviews, this practicum includes a background study and provides insights specific to UBC’s experience as well as highlights relevant lessons for other universities seeking to engage in property development and integrate sustainable development initiatives into their design and operations.

Keywords: land develop, property development, land use planning, sustainability, sustainable development, entrepreneurialism, growth coalition

2018-2019

Bergen, Krystyl MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom; Judy Redmond (retired Accessibility Coordinator, City of Winnipeg)

This practicum focuses on the design of public spaces at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba and the use of universal design standards as a catalyst for a more accessible campus. The research contributes to current thinking about accessible, universal and inclusive planning and design in Canada. This practicum reviews planning documents and the recently enacted Accessibility for Manitobans Act, complemented by design ethnography using moving interviews, and photo mapping, to build grounded insights that lead to new ideas about accessibility planning and accessible campus design in Winnipeg and other cities in Canada. Urban marginalization affects the lives of many residents in Winnipeg with disabilities; in fact, one in six Manitobans have some form of disability. This marginalization often leads to deprivation of basic human rights and inhibits access to goods and services. When basic human rights are violated, independence and urban engagement can potentially be limited.

Keywords: Accessibility, Barrier-Free, Civil Right, Design Exclusion, Design for All, Disability Matters, Disability Planning, Inclusive Design, Inclusive Environments, Universal Design, User Friendly

Blatz, Michael MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom

Committee: Dr. Rae Bridgman (City Planning); Tom Janzen RPP MCIP (Scatliff+Miller+Murray)

The production of urban space is increasingly influenced by concepts, techniques, and practices circulating between cities. While this phenomenon has been criticized for its potential to disregard local context, it has also been commended for its potential to introduce tried and tested concepts. In examining the process of producing True North Square, a mixed-use development in downtown Winnipeg, this case study explores how knowledge was mobilized from other cities and, in turn, re-assembled in a new context. Using document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and a context study as the primary research methods, this thesis recommends that actors mobilizing knowledge between locations should put more emphasis on processual factors – including principles behind decisions, contextual influences, and responses of local users – as opposed to the physical outputs. In doing so, the study also outlines relevant lessons for producing flexible and contextually appropriate privately-owned public spaces, as well as approaches for their subsequent management.

Erlanger, Michael MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom; Doug Corbett (Corbett Architecture)

The proposed research explored the conversion of existing abandoned railway corridors to Active Transportation (AT) routes. This project was inspired by the work of the “Rails to Trails” movement in North America (Ackelson, 1996). A maximum of three precedents (two international and one domestic) were studied. Each of the example projects were in cities that have characteristics similar to Winnipeg, Manitoba. These characteristics included size, climate, density, growth and topography. The research aimed to help create a potential framework for the cycling and pedestrian community in Winnipeg. This framework led to improved transportation solutions throughout the city, thus enabling citizens to experience the efficiency, health benefits, and added economic benefits, as well as a greater sense of neighbourhood appreciation – all while using the renewable resource of the abandoned railway. The majority of the research proposed for this project was drawn from precedents beyond Manitoba. However, the information gathered provided lessons learned for the conversion of abandoned railway corridors to AT routes in Winnipeg itself. Winnipeg could benefit greatly from understanding how other cities have capitalized on these under-utilized resources and taken advantage of existing transportation networks. The precedent research focused on cyclists and pedestrians, who were commuting to and from work, as well as recreational users. Research explored what these cities have experienced in the development of their specific projects. It examined how stakeholders achieved favourable outcomes as well as addressed unforeseen challenges during the process. Factors that were considered in the precedent studies included railway company participation, environmental concerns, route connectivity and accessibility, economic development, project costs, community engagement, funding opportunities, and operations and maintenance. Social and health benefits were other key considerations in the development of this type of infrastructure. As well, how these AT corridors perform in winter cities, where climate and seasonal differences are key considerations, may aid Winnipeg in developing this type of infrastructure. The study compared each city’s characteristics and looked at the different strategies used to gain consensus on how their projects came to fruition. Lessons learned were a key outcome from the research.

Hoogstraten, Kalika MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom

Committee: Dr. Orly Linovski, Dr. Anita Brule-Babel (Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences)

In the past few decades, environmental and social realities have led to a heightened interest in how food is grown, processed, distributed, and accessed. Rooftop gardens may offer a sustainable solution for underutilized urban space, and supplement access to healthy and affordable food. Montreal, QC served as a case study comparing three buildings with rooftop agriculture; however, this research was also structured to provide lessons and insights on rooftop food production that could be applied more broadly. An in-depth look at types and scales of rooftop agriculture, the barriers to developing a rooftop garden in Montreal, climate conditions, and policy context will be presented and synthesized to help inform similar efforts in other locations. In doing so, this thesis will begin to develop a framework for rooftop urban agriculture that can lead to more food secure and productive cities.

Keywords: Rooftop, Urban Agriculture, Food Security

Jack, Breanne MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom; Dr. Joanna Black (Faculty of Education)

A Walking School Bus (WSB) is a group of children walking to school with a supervisor. Providing safe and active routes to school for children to participate in allows them to be physically active while getting to school on time. The WSB Program allows children to be picked up at a designated location, to socialize, be active and to learn more about their community. This practicum explores the perceptions of children participating in the program in a rural community in Manitoba. The researcher found for the most part, students enjoy walking to and from school with the WSB. Most students enjoy it because they get to spend time with their friends and be outside. The program gives students independence, a safe way to get to and from school, and allows parents the freedom to not need to take their child to school.

King Cranston, Levan MCP

Advisor: Dr. Sarah Cooper

Committee: Dr. Janice Barry (City Planning); James Moore MCP RPP MCIP (City of Kelowna, British Columbia)

Protocol Agreements have been used successfully as an intergovernmental relationship-building tool between Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments in Canada during the last twenty years. In British Columbia, the Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and neighbouring First Nations governments created a Protocol Agreement that was signed in 2013. The Protocol Agreement has brought governments together where previously a relationship did not exist. The methods used in this research included a document analysis, and interviews with participants from the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) and RDOS. This case study research found that a number of successes have been achieved between the OIB and RDOS, although there are still numerous challenges in the intergovernmental relationship. The research concludes that for regional coexistence of cultures to occur successfully, both parties must have the political will to communicate, collaborate, and engage with their regional partners. All people in the region must sit together for their common good.

2017-2018

Cook, James MCP

Advisor: Dr. Orly Linovski

Committee: James Platt MCP MCIP RPP (City Planning), Justin Rebello RPP (City of Calgary)

This practicum investigates the opportunities and challenges for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in mature communities, urban built out areas around the City core, and along the Eastern Bus Rapid Transit Corridor in Winnipeg. The focus will be on the South Point Douglas Neighbourhood (SPD), an economically disadvantaged, mature community and an important area for the City’s development. TOD is a type of development adjacent to rapid transit stations with the goal of promoting a certain level of density and mixed-uses such as residential, retail, and recreation. TOD, which is heavily influenced by the principles of new urbanism, has been gaining traction in North America for several years. It is a form of development that can reduce urban sprawl and reliance on the automobile. Winnipeg has also chosen a newer form of rapid transit, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Research on its effects is increasing, but it lacks relevant North American examples. To investigate this issue, I conducted interviews with private developers, real estate professionals and public officials to determine the perceived and actual barriers the development community faces, and to propose strategies to overcome those barriers. I also conducted a site analysis of SPD to determine the feasibility of TOD and how much capacity it can sustain. An analysis of my findings showed that four factors were identified as potential areas of focus that could affect development in SPD: (1) Multiple zoning bylaws in the area, (2) Inconsistency in execution on the City’s vision of TOD, (3) Councillors ability to oppose projects; and (4) Past success of developer incentives. The strategies and recommendations have been tailored for SPD, however, this information will be useful to other municipalities attempting to encourage TOD in their innermost areas.

Keywords: Bus rapid transit, Eastern Rapid Transit Corridor, South Point Douglas, station area planning, transit-oriented development

Curtis, Brittany MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Dr. Orly Linovski (City Planning), Colleen Plumton (Kinesiology and Recreation Management)

As connections are drawn between physical activity and the built environment, various elements have emerged as key contributors to the viability of walking as a form of transportation, including land-use patterns, architecture and landscape, and the transportation system. The resulting concept of walkability is strongly correlated with transportation physical activity. Developing efficient measures of the built environment is essential to the advancement of further research in this area. This project envisions enhancing walkability as an urban intervention to support community health. The research assesses qualities of the urban street environment that may improve the walkability of Winnipeg, identifying climatic gaps that exist in current walkability auditing tools. This research is based on literature review of the health benefits surrounding walkability, unobtrusive observation of three neighbourhoods, and a systematic review of seven walkability audits. The result is a set of research, planning and design recommendations for how to better design audits to reflect the reality of winter, in order to more fittingly assess and improve upon the walkability needs of winter cities in Canada.

Keywords: Walkability, walkability audits, walking, physical activity, active transportation, community health

Enns Ellen MCP

Advisor: Dr. Orly Linovski

Committee: William Ashton RPP (City Planning), Jessie Klassen (Office for Sustainability)

Traditional methods of studying commute patterns consist of calculating the distance between residential and work locations and the duration of travel. Recent methods however, have shifted to include information regarding the choices people make for their daily commute and what influences them to make these decisions. Analyzing the commute itself is not sufficient anymore, as individual preferences for a particular community, or lifestyle, largely influences a persons’ commute. This research is a case study of Niverville Manitoba – a small town that can be characterized as an exurban community. Niverville represents a growing preference for a particular lifestyle that is perceived as inducing longer commuting distances for its residents. As populations’ increase in exurban communities, it raises questions as to why people desire to live there and if their commutes are as long as perceived

Keywords: Exurban, Exurbanite, Community, Commuting, Niverville

Fiss, Adam MCP

Advisor: Dr. Janice Barry

Committee: James Platt MCP MCIP RPP (City Planning), Dr. Ryan Walker RPP (University of Saskatchewan)

Across Canada, Indigenous leaders and organizations are working with mayors and councils to establish and maintain respectful relationships. This research considers how intergovernmental agreements between First Nations and local governments present opportunities to expand and improve upon the national effort to pursue truth and reconciliation at the local level. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with practitioners and policy-makers to identify characteristics of successful relationship-building and determine how they align, or misalign, with the theory and practice of reconciliation. Protocol and service agreements, guiding documents, policies, and regulatory texts were analyzed to consider which of these characteristics are put into action and which are left out. Findings suggest that there is a pressing need for guidance on how First Nations and local governments can improve policy and practice to enhance and sustain relationships consistent with reconciliation. Recommendations are presented that address these fundamental limitations, which constrain the capacity for both parties take part in equitable planning practices that build relationships. Despite reconciliation efforts generally pursued by the Crown, this research suggests that there is a broadening potential for these intergovernmental agreements at the local level to support the spirit of reconciliation.

Keywords: reconciliation, Indigenous, First Nation, agreements, protocol, urban reserve, services

Hanson, Jeffrey MCP

Advisor: Dr. Janice Barry

Committee: Gerry Couture FCIP RPP (City Planning), Bob Somers (Scatliff Miller Murray)

Skateboarding is a global phenomenon that makes alternative use of the urban built form but is often met with opposition from the public and governing authorities. In Calgary, the skateboarding community has formed representative organizations that have collaborated with Council and Administration to address issues surrounding skateboarding. This research examines the process of the development of skateboarding amenities in Calgary and how the perspective of the sport changed from a degenerative activity to a healthy lifestyle choice. Collaborative planning and tactical urbanism provide the framework for the analysis. This research finds that the skateboarding community organizations and the City of Calgary have exercised a combination of collaborative planning and tactical urbanism to increase institutional capacity and positively change both the social and physical landscape of the city. The research concludes that communities need representation to effectively communicate with local government, formal and informal relationships between community and government strengthen process and results, and, once an objective has been identified, short-term action can provide a temporary solution during a period of planning for a long-term permanent solution.

Keywords: Collaborative planning, mobile infrastructure, pilot project, amenities, tactical urbanism, community organization, temporary intervention

Kostyniuk, Ashley MCP

Advisor: Dr. Orly Linovski

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning), Richard Tebinka (WSP)

A lack of empirical data regarding trends in municipal public parking located in small and low growth city downtowns contributes to municipalities enforcing parking regulations in the absence of local context. There is an opportunity for planners and policy makers to provide current data for decisions regarding future parking in small and low growth cities. Efforts to understand the issues of parking as they relate to their local context can result in better informed municipal public parking management strategies, contributing to downtown vibrancy. This practicum examines municipal public parking in downtown Portage la Prairie, MB. It provides replicable tools for municipalities with similar circumstances to collect data about parking in their downtowns, and examples of relevant parking management strategies. The findings reveal that parking is a complex planning issue, with parking perceptions, preferences, and behaviours that may at times contradict themselves.

Keywords: Public parking, on-street parking, off-street parking, parking meters, parking management strategies, small cities, low growth, Portage la Prairie

Kroeker, Adam MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Dr. Orly Linovski (City Planning), Dietmar Straub (Landscape Architecture)

This project examines the potential for urban agriculture to address different barriers to settlement for newcomers (recent immigrants and refugees) living in Winnipeg's inner city. This project utilizes a geographical information systems (GIS) mapping analysis to identify under-utilized parcels of land in Winnipeg's inner city that could be developed into suitable urban agriculture sites. A focus group has provided recommendations for site selection and the elements needed on the site. This information is incorporated into a conceptual site plan for one of the recommended sites, which addresses questions of how such a site could be implemented in a Canadian context. The practicum concludes with reflections on the project and directions for future research.

Keywords: Urban agriculture, Winnipeg, newcomer, refugee, farming, nutrition, food security, GIS, mapping, land use

Lofchick, Courtney MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom

Committee: Dr. Jino Distasio (City Planning), Lisa Holowchuk RPP (Province of Manitoba)

Winnipeg has experienced low vacancy rates for many years. In 2016, its average vacancy rate was 2.8%. The lack of rental units can partially be attributed to an increase in population growth. Between 2008 and 2018, 20,000 immigrants are expected to have arrived in Winnipeg. In addition, the average family size has decreased over the last decade; more units are now being occupied by single people and couples rather than families with children. With one-third of Winnipeggers as renters and housing prices becoming less affordable, the city is in a housing crunch. This practicum explores strategies that may be used to increase affordable rental housing stock supplied by the private sector in Winnipeg. It examines strategies used by other Canadian cities that may be applicable to Winnipeg.

Keywords: Affordable housing, inclusionary zoning, density bonusing, linkage fees

Mikulec, Philip MCP

Advisor: Dr. Janice Barry

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning), Dr. Alan Diduck (Natural Resources Institute)

Typically, the cultivation of land for the production of food is a rural activity. There is an emerging interest in urban agriculture and a growing body of research that examines its relationship to community renewal, health and well-being, sustainability and environmental justice. Some research has applied a critical theory lens to guerrilla gardening, the most radical form of urban agriculture, and has drawn on the literature of right to the city and urban informality. This research examines how critical concepts relate to both less and more radical forms of urban agriculture. This thesis attempts to offer academic knowledge on urban agriculture and its relationship to the planning system, and to better understand this relationship through the framework of informality, property rights, and Lefebvre's writings on right to the city. The comparative analysis found that there are many commonalities between urban agriculture participants, while there are some contextual differences. Participants in Winnipeg tended to emphasize more radical ideals than others. Findings further indicate that while urban agriculture participants may not be aware of right to the city they are implicitly using concepts developed by Lefebvre. Preliminary findings also show that informality both benefits and harms urban agriculture practices. There are several implications of this research. Stronger connections to right to the city literature and the broader urban agriculture community have been established. The City of Winnipeg could also take steps to improve its relationship with informal activities such as urban agriculture on a structural level. These implications are mainly applicable to the Winnipeg context. More research is necessary in other communities to ascertain if similar findings arise elsewhere.

Keywords: urban agriculture, informality, community gardening, right to the city, green space.

Robinson, Matthew MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Martin Sandhurst MCP MCIP RPP (SPAR Planning Services)

In the summer of 2016, The Forks North Portage Partnership created a shared-use road using unique pavement markings and traffic calming infrastructure at The Forks on Fort Gibraltar Trail. This intervention was intended to provide cyclists equal right to the road and connect segments of The Forks’ cycle track. The design and implementation processes of the shared-use road contravened conventional planning practices, and were inspired by tactical urbanism – a relatively new approach to city-making emphasizing small-scale interventions. This practicum uses a case study approach to investigate The Forks’ shared-use road and explore tactical urbanism as a planning tool. Key informants and practitioners from Winnipeg’s planning community provide diverse perspectives on how to effectively incorporate tactical urbanism practices. The findings add to the growing library of tactical urbanism literature and provide lessons for future project proponents in the design and implementation of their own tactical interventions in Winnipeg.

Keywords: Tactical urbanism, small-scale, shared-use road, intervention

Sidhu, Jasreen MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Dr. Orly Linovski (City Planning), Ross Mitchell MCIP RPP (Sison Blackburn Consulting Inc.)

Transit-oriented development (TOD) is new to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and has not yet been implemented. The next phase of bus rapid transit service in Winnipeg will be the Eastern Rapid Transit Corridor (ERTC), which will provide an opportunity for TOD at station areas. This research examines plans and policies that support transit-oriented development, the impact of collaborative participation on outcomes of TOD planning and implementation efforts, and the opportunities for TOD at three Major Redevelopment sites (MRS). Two precedent cities were reviewed: Edmonton, AB being a city having similar TOD efforts to Winnipeg, and Arlington, VA, having had exemplar consultation processes that support rapid transit and TOD planning and implementation, that Winnipeg can learn from. Three high-level government employees were interviewed to provide insight into the successes, challenges, and lessons in municipal processes, which determine outcomes of TOD project planning and implementation. Additionally, a documentary analysis was conducted to examine policies and development plans for three Major Redevelopment Sites, which incorporate TOD principles, to inform an understanding of the potential for TOD in Winnipeg. The research findings indicate that the proposed developments at the three MRS cannot be defined as a true TOD as they are currently presented. Therefore, detailed secondary plans need to be developed to increase chances of TOD implementation. The findings further suggest that funding support from high level government is essential to BRT implementation. An alternative public engagement strategy was developed, to solicit meaningful feedback and garner support for TOD

Keywords: BRT, TOD, public consultation, smart growth

2016-2017

Blumenschein, Larissa MCP

Advisor: Dr. Orly Linovski

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning), Stefan Epp-Coop (Food Matters Manitoba)

Many North American cities are struggling with a phenomenon called a “food desert”, known as a particular area of a city that fails to provide its residents with access to nutritious food. Due to recent closures of grocery stores, this title of a ‘Food Desert’ is often applied to parts of Downtown Winnipeg. In light of current efforts to further develop Winnipeg’s downtown core, planners and developers are taking a closer look at the issues behind food access for urban residents. Much of the current literature on food access in urban settings focuses primarily on the challenges for low-income households. However, poor food access is also an issue for non-low income residents, who may not be dependent on convenience stores, but must drive long distances in order to purchase groceries, causing unsustainable shopping habits as well as a loss in local consumer dollars. This research focuses on the issues of food access from the perspective of a diverse urban community with a range of incomes. The research aims to address the gaps in food desert literature by providing a better understanding of the challenges behind food access for different types of residents in urban areas, as well as how improved food access can in turn contribute to a complete community.

Keywords: Food desert, Winnipeg, Access, Downtown, Urban, Community

Chandran, Deepa MCP

Advisor: Dr. Janice Barry

Committee: Dr. Orly Linovski (City Planning), Susanne Dewey Povoledo MCP MCIP (City of Winnipeg)

Analyzing public transit accessibility to marginalized communities is critical to exploring the link between transportation inclusion and wellbeing in automobile-centered cultures. This study is an attempt to examine public transit accessibility to Indigenous residents in Winnipeg's North End. Apart from analyzing the current level of transit accessibility, the study explores barriers that hinder the use of public transit in the North End and examines strategies to improving transit accessibility to its residents. This study adopts a holistic approach to understanding 'accessibility' and recognizes the importance of socio-economic, perceptional, and demographic factors in shaping the demand for transit facilities in an area. Findings of the study illustrate the need to include transportation inclusion as an essential component of the urban Indigenous welfare policies in the country. The lessons learned will also provide an initial framework to understand the link between community wellbeing and transportation inclusion of other socio-economically vulnerable communities.

Keywords: Indigenous communities, Transit accessibility, Transportation equity, North End

Geen, Jillian MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Dr. Orly Linovski (City Planning), Tom Janzen MCIP (TVJ Projects)

The government land development corporation model works at ‘arm’s length’ from the public sector to manage development of public land assets. With the potential to create uplift in value and shape the built environment to achieve City objectives, many municipalities have established this model, yet there is a lack of study on their impact to the municipal planning and development process. This research presents a case study, including key informant interviews, of the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation’s (CMLC) management of the redevelopment of the East Village to identify lessons that may be application in other development projects. A list of themes for success and weakness informs discussion on how a government land development model can impact municipal planning policy, development process and standards. Half way into the project timeline, CMLC has achieved many of its objectives through a coordinated approach grounded in a strong vision set in a Master Plan. Active marketing and infrastructure upgrades that focused on connections established a renewed sense of place to a blighted neighborhood. CMLC benefits from being able to act in a nimble manner outside of the often-extended municipal decision-making structure. A broad mandate, control over budget decision, land ownership and authority to manage phasing provides efficiency in operations and confidence to investors, however public accountability remains a concern. CMLC introduces new avenues of collaboration and brings multiple disciplines together for risk sharing facilitating innovation in planning policy, practice and standards, that otherwise may have been lost in negotiation. Positioned at the interface between public and private, CMLC has found success in balancing interests and tensions through combining the strengths of each sector.

Keywords: Models of land development, Municipal development corporation, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, Alternative development standards, Innovative policy, Government land development corporation

Galston, Robert MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning), Marcella Poirier MCP MCIP (University of Winnipeg)

This research explores street design as a means to creating pedestrian-friendly public street space in North American downtown neighbourhoods. Recent literature suggests pedestrian activity in urban environments depends upon both a dense mix of land uses and public spaces which are safe, comfortable, and accessible for pedestrians. This latter condition is the focus of this research, and is referred to as pedestrian-friendly. Focusing on the downtown neighbourhood of South Portage in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the research applies a theoretical framework and a detailed site assessment to understand current conditions of walkability in South Portage. This assessment helps to inform relevant design interventions for identified locations in the South Portage neighbourhood, in order to create improved conditions for pedestrians. It is hoped this research provides a better understanding of what role planners can play in the creation of pedestrian-friendly street space, and to explore what potential exists to make the street environment of the South Portage neighbourhood more pedestrian-friendly.

Keywords: Urban design, downtown revitalization, Winnipeg, city planning

Intertas, Mark Aurelio MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Christopher Leo (City Planning), Kerniel Aasland (Political Science, University of Winnipeg)

The North End is one of the most colourful areas in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Plagued by urban decay, the North End is a melting pot of cultures and catch basin for many marginalized people. In the face of adversity, people unite under similar ideals and principles to work towards common goals. This unity is exemplified in co-operatives, which has been in the North End for decades. Co-ops exhibited outstanding camaraderie with the goal of alleviating adverse social conditions. Today, the co-op sector, exemplified by Pollock’s Hardware and Urban Eatin’ Landscapes, continue to operate in the area like conventional business, while practicing social and environmental responsibility under a common set of principles. Due to their ideologies and principles, their impact on neighbourhood and community revitalization is more profound than expected. Through case studies, this research found that co-ops offer urban planners and government officials a complimentary method to conventional urban revitalization methods. Co-operative Urban Revitalization starts by uniting marginalized people and empowering them to devise solutions to social and economic problems.

Keywords: urban revitalization, co-operatives, North End, Winnipeg, urban decay, urban decline, CED, Commnity economic development, Pollock's Hardware Co-op, Urban Eatin' Landscapes Co-op, cooperatives, case study, neighbourhood revitalization, People's Co-op, Manitoba Co-operative's Act

Leckie, Aaron MCP

Advisor: Dr. Orly Linovski

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning), Gina Sylvestre (University of Winnipeg)

An aging population will be a defining characteristic of Canadian demographics for the next 30 years. The convenience, reliability, and flexibility of public transportation systems to meet new and changing demands will be an important issue as Canadian cities age. Blending approaches from urban planning, transportation planning, and gerontology, the researcher investigated public transportation services for older adults in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The focus of this research was to understand how the City of Winnipeg prioritizes and funds transit improvements, the barriers that older adults encounter when using transit, and to look at existing challenges and opportunities to enhance the public transit system. Multiple methods were used in this study. The researcher conducted interviews with urban professionals working for the City of Winnipeg, hosted a focus group with older adult users of public transportation, and collected the demographic data of focus group participants through an exit survey. This research finds that older adults in Winnipeg encounter several barriers to transit which largely fit under the general themes of access to bus stops, access to information, and access to destinations. Recommendations and further areas of investigation are provided.

Keywords: Age-friendly, universal design, travel chain approach, barrier-free design, life-course perspective, winter cities

Miller, Alexis MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Gerry Couture RPP FCIP (City Planning), Dr. Sonia Bookman (Sociology)
This thesis explores the intersection between city planning in Winnipeg, Manitoba and branding the city as a creative city, by examining several key Winnipeg planning documents, which are interpreted as enacting the collective drive to develop - and brand - Winnipeg as a Creative City. Inspired in particular by the work of Charles Landry, this study reveals how Winnipeg’s creative city identity and approach is actively crafted and defined through local planning discourses. The research seeks to expand and enrich the dialogue around the creative city, using a creative city-making framework, to encourage a more holistic and inclusive approach to what rates as a creative city, and what merits recognition as creative and creativity in a city planning context. Some of the creative themes found in Winnipeg of interest to planners include a commitment to collaboration, integration, participation and the desire to operationalize creativity within municipal governance.

Paradis, Ryan MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning), Dr. Wanda Wuttunee (Native Studies)

Despite long standing efforts at income assistance and community development, the income gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians continues to grow (Adelson, 2005, p. 53). Indigenous people are also overrepresented in the “poorer populations” of Canada’s urban communities (Peters & Walker, 2005). This research is a case study of the Métis Economic Development Organization (MEDO), a Winnipeg-based For-Benefit company designed to support the Métis community in Manitoba, Canada through its elected government, the Manitoba, Métis Federation (MMF). Given that Winnipeg has the largest Métis population in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2013b), this research highlights MEDO’s place within the spectrum of approaches to urban Indigenous community economic development. Through participant interviews, a narrative is presented which emphasizes the challenges in overcoming (and embracing) certain stereotypes, a strong separation between business and government, and the role planners may have in fostering a healthy environment where for-benefit enterprises may flourish and empower urban Indigenous people in Winnipeg, MB.

Keywords: Métis, for-benefit, benefit corporation, urban Indigenous community economic development, urban Aboriginal, urban Indigenous, urban planning, CED, city planning, community economic development, Manitoba, MEDO, MMF, fourth economic sector, fourth sector, Winnipeg, economic development, self-sufficiency, self-determination

Pierce, Gaelen MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: David Linton MCP MCIP (City Planning), Nancy Smith Lea (Toronto Centre for Active Transportation)

This research examines the emergence of cycling-supportive land-use and transportation policies in Ontario and Hamilton, Ontario between 1990 and 2016. The focus of this thesis is on two questions that have been unexplored in previous research: (1) what cycling-supportive policies emerged in Provincial and Municipal government during this time?; and (2) what role, if any, did the Provincial position on cycling play in the development of Hamilton, Ontario cycling policies? A primary and secondary document review was undertaken to identify patterns between historical Provincial and Municipal policies. Three types of results are presented: (1) an examination of amendments to the Ontario Planning Act, emphasizing its effect on the role of policy in Ontario, the structure of the Ontario planning system, and on Municipal conformity; (2) a detailed review of emergent cycling-supportive policies and trends in Ontario and Hamilton, Ontario between 1990 and 2016; and (3) an analysis of evidence showing the influence of Provincial cycling-supportive policies on Hamilton plan policies. This research concludes that (1) novel cycling-supportive policies have emerged at both the Municipal and Provincial levels during the research period, and (2) evidence exists that Provincial land-use and transportation policies have influenced Hamilton’s cycling policy over the research period.

Keywords: Bicycling, active transportation, policy, Ontario, growth management, Hamilton, Provincial policy statement

Prokopanko, Adam MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Dr. Orly Linovski (City Planning), Michael Pyl (City of Winnipeg)

Past practices for determining the routes of bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada have largely relied upon comparisons of quantitative factors. This research recommends qualitative factors to be incorporated into the process in order to present a more complete evaluation of proposed transit routes. Key Winnipeg informants were interviewed from three groups: transit officials, planners, and developers. Each group has a vested interest in the establishment of new BRT corridors and the construction of transit-oriented development (TOD) around the stations. Informants from Ottawa were interviewed to provide insights from another city having long-standing rapid transit development. The research identified eleven factors that should be taken into consideration when evaluating and selecting the routes for BRT corridors in Winnipeg. A framework of recommendations was developed, with the two foundational factors of transportation value and long-term city-building providing a basis to expand on using transit, development, and planning factors.

Keywords: Bus rapid transit, transit-oriented development, qualitative factors, route analysis

Rogness, Krista MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Dr. Orly Linovski (City Planning), Susan Frieg MCIP (Freig & Assiciates)

Women’s safety is a major concern worldwide in transit planning. In Metro Vancouver, the public has been questioning levels of safety on the public transit system TransLink. A blog, ‘Harassment on TransLink’, has compiled women’s personal stories of harassment on public transit. The blog has acted as an informal reporting strategy for women to share and vocalize their fears about transit. The blog has now helped propel the development of a smart phone app (created by TransLink), which allows riders to report harassment on transit. This case study analysis of the blog explores how social media can function as an alternative reporting tool for safety measures and policy on public transit. Through semi-structured interviews and a review of relevant literature and precedents, the voices of female riders have been analyzed to examine how social media has been and can be used to improve public transit planning for women’s safety.

Keywords: Storytelling, public transit, safety, women, social media, harassment

Sajwan, Shivani MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom

Committee: Dr. Rae Bridgman (City Planning); Inonge Aliaga MCIP (Province of Manitoba)

How are Community Economic Development (CED) principles helping to improve the economic sustainability of Winnipeg’s North End? This core question guides my research. The main objective is to study how CED principles have been incorporated in a program, to examine how they have been implemented, and how the program contributed to neighbourhood economic stability. In Winnipeg’s North End, residents have experienced poor quality housing, low educational attainment, high unemployment rates and visible poverty. This has contributed to the deterioration of the neighbourhood. To help revitalize these neighbourhoods, local organizations are using CED principles in their programs; they focus on addressing the physical, social and economic gaps, and the challenges many residents face. Inner-City Renovations is one social enterprise applying CED principles to improve the economic stability by utilizing the available local resources. This paper aims to identify how CED principles are contributing to the economic sustainability of Winnipeg’s North End.

Keywords: Community economic development (CED) initiatives; ssocial enterprise; economic sustainability; Inner-City Renovations (ICR); Winnipeg’s North End; neighbourhood revitalization

Syvixay, Jason MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Jino Distasio (City Planning), Jeff Palmer MCP MCIP (Catapult Community Planning)

In Winnipeg, Indigenous activists are finding and/or creating new opportunities to meet in public space to discuss civic issues like safety, inclusion, and the right to land. Through physical resistance (i.e. Indigenous activists occupying public space through blockades, protest, and public demonstrations), Indigenous activists have begun to make known their varying political, economic, and social struggles — and in many cases, are rallying both public and media support to affect and create neighbourhood change. This practicum will explore Indigenous activism, leading to lessons for planners and others. Instead of maintaining a critical distance from these demonstrations, which can often create feelings of alienation within the Indigenous community, I assert that planners and others can view these public actions as offering opportunities for feedback, dialogue, and change. Through a case study of Meet Me At The Bell Tower, I hope to demonstrate how Indigenous activism in public spaces may represent an important bottom-up, community-based approach to public engagement.

Keywords: Indigenous planning, protest, public space, right to the city, neighbourhood revitalization

2015-2016

Blackie, Erika MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Jean Trottier MCIP (Landscape Architecture); Donna Beaton (City of Winnipeg)

An opportunity exists to better integrate nature into our cities and towns. As humans we are hardwired to need nature and for most of us, this nature comes in the form of urban nature, or green spaces. Green spaces provide the opportunity for city dwellers to interact with and have a relationship with nature . Yet, reliance on the typical urban green space can no longer provide sufficient amounts of nature to foster the benefits which nature provides. The premise of this research is that changes in how green spaces are planned in suburban greenfield developments must occur to better protect and enhance the presence of nature in the built environment. In doing so, increased opportunities for urban dwellers to foster a relationship with nature are provided. In exploring the proposition labeled here as ‘nature - first urban green spaces’, the research methodology followed a qualitative case study of green space planning practices in Winnipeg, which included an analysis of municipal development plans and green space policies as well as informant interviews. Seven recommendations aim to enhance the presence of nature in Winnipeg and to increase opportunities for urban dwellers to foster a relationship with nature. The recommendations provide guidance to overcome existing green space planning challenges such as competing demand for land use and financial constraints, aim to strengthen the authority and effectiveness of green space policies, identify opportunities to further advance green space planning in Winnipeg, and encourage green space dialogue to promote nature - first urban green spaces. If applied, the seven recommendations can contribute to the planning and design of urban green spaces in Winnipeg to better reflect nature - first urban green spaces.

Keywords: City planning, green space, policy, municipal development plan, Winnipeg

Cseke, Adam MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: David Linton MCP MCIP (Province of Manitoba); Gerald Christie MCIP (Columbia Shuswap Regional District, British Columbia)

This research investigates why British Columbian local governments are motivated to implement Community Amenity Contributions (CACs). Local governments that are considering adopting a CAC policy may benefit from this report. Data was obtained from developers, planners and politicians through online surveys and semi-structured interviews. The survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the interview data was analyzed using content analysis. All participants viewed CACs as an effective means to raise revenue to pay for growth-related costs. All participants agreed that CACs are not used as a market-based planning tool to influence urban form. Four recommendations are made: 1) obtain Canadian empirical data on the impact of Development Charges 2) improve CACs by broadening the scope of provincial DCC legislation to include amenities now funded through CACs; 3) consider the market effects of CACs, especially on affordable housing; and 4) employ economists to analyze externalized costs of development for planning departments.

Keywords: Community Amenity Contributions (CACs), Urban Development, Amenity Zoning Bylaw, Growth, Policy, and Financing.

Gibbons, Lise MCP

Advisor: Dr. Janice Barry

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Kerniel Aasland (University of Winnipeg)

Indigenous populations in Canadian urban centres have grown tremendously in recent years. One of the biggest challenges when Indigenous peoples move to urban centres is finding safe, affordable housing. The research focuses on the need to increase urban affordable housing options and highlights the community land trust as a model for providing perpetually affordable housing for urban Indigenous populations. A documentary analysis was completed to determine the housing needs and potential options for Indigenous peoples in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The second part examines the Little Earth of United Tribes Homeownership Initiative located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Homeownership Initiative, which partners with the City of Lakes Community Land Trust, was chosen because it specifically targets Indigenous peoples. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to further inform the case study and to provide greater background information. The two parts were brought together to determine how a community land trust might complement the range of Indigenous housing options currently available in Winnipeg.

Keywords: Indigenous housing, Affordable housing, Community land trust, Housing initiative, Homeownership, Affordable homeownership

Gilmore, Ryan J. MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Gerry Couture MCP FCIP (Department of City Planning); Eric Aderneck RPP (Metro Vancouver,British Columbia)

The Metro Vancouver region is experiencing high levels of population and employment growth within a strictly limited land base. With increasing competition for land, industrial land in particular is under considerable pressure to be converted to other uses, such as residential and commercial, with the current supply of industrial land is expected to be exhausted within 15 years. Without the ability to expand the industrial land base to meet the region’s future industrial needs, more efficient use of existing industrial lands must be achieved. In recognition of this, the region is investigating intensification policies to encourage better utilization and intensification of industrial lands for industrial activities. The early work on industrial land intensification highlighted a gap in planning literature and practice with respect to how the intensity of industrial land use is defined and measured. A better understanding of intensification in the industrial land context is required for the region to develop industrial land intensification policies. This research practicum explores expanded definitions and measures of intensification. The inquiry develops a prototype analytical tool designed to communicate these definitions and measures and to facilitate the evaluation of industrial land intensification. The prototype tool is based on sustainability assessment tools used in sustainable development planning. Through semi-structured interviews with industrial land stakeholders, expanded definitions and measures of industrial intensification were considered and the prototype tool was refined. The project concludes with a discussion of future directions for the prototype tool, including the development of multiple versions of the tool at different scales and for different industrial sectors; the creation of an intensification rating system; and the adaptation of the tool into a checklist to be integrated into municipal development application processes. These evolutions of the prototype tool anticipate how it could be integrated into planning and development practices and inform industrial land intensification policies in areas such as the Metro Vancouver region.

Keywords: City planning; industrial land; industrial intensification; Industrial densification; sustainable development; sustainability assessment tools; Metro Vancouver.

Hayer, Rakvinder MCP

Advisor: Dr. Janice Barry

Committee: Gerry Couture MCP FCIP (Department of City Planning); Eric Aderneck RPP (Metro Vancouver,British Columbia)

Dr. Rae Bridgman MCIP (Department of City Planning); Dr. Amanda Johnson (Kinesiology)
Through a case study analysis of the Central Park placemaking initiative in Winnipeg, this Major Degree Project explores the process of collaborative planning with new immigrant communities. While existing research examines the potential of placemaking to promote physical improvements through collaborative planning, we know less about whether placemaking initiatives achieve the long-term social outcomes associated with collaborative planning theory. Located in downtown Winnipeg, Central Park is surrounded by a diverse multi-cultural community, consisting of many new immigrants. In 2008, the CentreVenture Development Corporation launched a placemaking initiative to revitalize Central Park. The community was a key collaborator in the planning and design process. This thesis examines the long-term social outcomes of this initiative. The main research methods for this project include key informant interviews, and archival and secondary source analysis of existing data. The research finds that collaborative planning processes offer the potential to promote sustainable inner city neighbourhood revitalization. Placemaking through collaborative planning can develop new institutional capacity for participants. By developing and harnessing relational, intellectual and political resources communities can mobilize co-ordinated action toward future initiatives. The findings of this research advance the literature and understanding of collaborative planning processes, particularly within the context of placemaking with new immigrant communities. This thesis adds to the literature of inner city neighbourhood revitalization and collaborative planning theory.

Keywords: Collaborative Planning Theory; Placemaking; Immigration; Inner City; Neighbourhood Revitalization; Park Redevelopment; Social Capital; Institutional Capacity Development

Hong, Sangwoo MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom

Committee: James Platt MCP MCIP (City Planning); Kerniel Aasland (University of Winnipeg)

As spatial information has become more accessible and cheaper, interest in using Geographic Information System (GIS) has increased in a variety of fields including geology, social science, land management, and urban design. GIS has been considered a tool to provide geographically more accurate information and maps, but there are still underexplored questions about whether GIS is a tool that encourages or hinders active public participation in community planning practices; or whether it only intensifies fact-based research methods rather than encouraging more comprehensive approaches. In order to address these questions, this practicum examines how GIS may be useful to encourage public participation, how information and knowledge collected from residents or a neighbourhood can be applied to developing a GIS model and how these data may be incorporated with community plan. To analyze and illustrate the processes, this practicum explores community gardens in the Daniel McIntyre and St. Matthews Communities in Winnipeg, Manitoba and aims to develop a GIS model to assist with the process of identifying the strategical locations for future garden sites.

Keywords: PPGIS, Planning, Cognitive mapping, Perception research, public participation

Koch, Madeleine MCP

Advisor: Dr. Janice Barry

Committee: Dr. Iain Wight (City Planning); Aimée Craft (Faculty of Law)

As First Nations establish new reserves in urban areas, it creates opportunities for “intergovernmental” land use planning relationships between First Nations and adjacent local governments. However, at present, limited resources exist to guide practitioners through these new relationships. This research explores the practical realities of intergovernmental planning in Manitoba, and analyses current practice’s congruence with pre-established principles for a renewed relationship between First Nations and Non-First Nations. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect “practice stories” about practitioners’ grounded experiences with intergovernmental planning work in Manitoba. Findings suggest that relationship building between local governments and First Nations is taking place largely due to the informal initiatives of individual staff, often in absence of formal organizational support. Despite the challenges associated with this work, intergovernmental planning relationships have promising opportunities to bring about mutual benefits for both parties, and to contribute to reconciliation between First Nations and non-First Nations peoples.

Keywords: Manitoba, Planning, First Nations, Local government, Municipalities, Reconciliation, Relationships, Intergovernmental, Practice, Urban reserves, Land use, Treaties, Practice stories

Lennon, Mike MCP

Advisor: Dr. Christopher Leo

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Dr. Pamela Shaw MCIP RPP (Vancouver Island University)

Between the 1970s and 2014, Winnipeg experienced dramatic change in the distribution of healthy food retailers in inner-city neighbourhoods. Winnipeg’s “active core” neighbourhoods identified through Dr. David Gordon’s research on Canadian suburbs (Gordon & Jean 2011), have undergone a decline in accessible healthy food options and a rise in food deserts. This practicum identifies the causes of food retail decline and possible strategies for improving accessible healthy food retail options within Winnipeg’s active core. The changes in the distribution of food retail over time in Winnipeg are displayed through a series of maps: one for 1971 and every five years thereafter until 2011, and the year 2014, using data collected through telephone directories. Spatial data of Winnipeg’s active core is compared with population density data, informational maps, and other statistical data. Finally, various stakeholders, including planners, current and former business owners and other experts are interviewed to discuss these trends, lessons learned, and possible solutions.

McRae, Kelly MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom

Committee: Dr. William Ashton MCIP (City Planning); Susan Radstron MCP (New Directions Housing, Winnipeg)

This thesis examines the housing demand pressures in light of growth due to immigration in the rural community of Neepawa, Manitoba. The town of Neepawa has been experiencing a significant increase in population, resulting from the recruitment of temporary foreign workers, arriving to work in a local pork processing facility. Access to housing has been identified as an important step for the integration of newcomers into their new communities. Many newcomers are remaining in the town after they apply for their permanent residency, often sponsoring family members to join them. Newcomers’ housing needs change with their situations. This research looks at this phenomenon from a community planning perspective. The research uses data from 10 semi-structured interviews with key informants, representative of real estate, government, immigrant settlement services, elected officials and industry sectors. The evidence suggests that the housing market within Neepawa has experienced significant change in recent years in light of changing demands in the market. The community has a need for housing that caters not only to newcomers but to an aging population as well. This study points to the need for more research that examines the housing experiences and trajectories of newcomers in rural communities.

Penelton, Kayla MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Dr. David van Vliet MCIP (City Planning); Dr. Shauna Mallory-Hill (Deparment of Interior Design)

A dividing worldview separating people from nature has resulted in development practices that degenerate life-supporting systems. Sustainable development paradigms to date have attempted to lessen the impact of human development, but have failed to gain the momentum needed to generate a new worldview and evolve into radically changing mainstream development practices. This research explores how the paradigm of Regenerative Development and Design (RD&D) can better enable human development to partner with living systems to co-create conditions for promoting healthy and thriving built environments for all forms of life. Particularly, the research examines what role professional planners can play as active participants of RD&D. Through a literature review and precedent case studies, the work identifies RD&D principles and how they are applied in practice. Key informant interviews with practitioners and theorists of RD&D contributed further knowledge about the benefits and challenges of RD&D, as well as the responsibility of planners for such projects. The research concludes that a new worldview, which considers people as members and participants of natural systems, is necessary in order to create successful RD&D projects. More specifically, there is a need to identify and document the influence of such a worldview in future built RD&D projects. It was further determined that planners are well positioned to contribute to the long-term and dynamic vision required in RD&D projects. Planners also have a key role to play as champions for the policy transformations required for RD&D to progress as a paradigm. Recommendations are offered to planning professionals as to how they may become more knowledgeable and involved participants in the RD&D process.

Keywords: Regenerative Development and Design, Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Planning, Worldview, The Willow School, The Bullitt Center, UniverCity

Rempel, Lea MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (Department of City Planning); Dr. Verena Menec (Department of Community Health Sciences)

The global population is aging, and the rate of dementia is climbing. Although physical activity is thought to improve well-being, older adults often experience a decline in physical activity with age. This can be a result of physical and social barriers in their immediate environment, which can be exacerbated in winter. Through a photovoice study, interview, and a group presentation/discussion, this research aims to bring issues associated with aging-in-place with dementia into planning discussions. Findings from this research suggest snow and ice on sidewalks are significant barriers for individuals with dementia, and that intersections are distracting and confusing. Suggestions include creating opportunities for mental and physical stimulation (e.g. using color to increase distinctness), providing particular individual physical characteristics (e.g. reducing the number of curbs or painting curbs so they are more visible), improving wider urban design characteristics (e.g. maintaining a cleared sidewalk network), and increasing awareness in the community.

Keywords: Dementia, Winter, Urban design, Photovoice

Segal, Ryan Alexander MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Jean Trottier MCIP (Department of City Planning); Michael Gordon MCIP RPP (City of Vancouver)

As children’s independent mobility in urban environments continues to decrease, children become further removed from all realms of city life. There is a need for children to practice and demonstrate their autonomy in public, and a properly planned and designed environment can support such skill building in urban settings. This practicum envisions wayfinding as a pivotal intervention in the urban environment to enable children’s independent mobility and environmental familiarity. The research focuses on the planning of a wayfinding strategy for Canadian school-age children (ages 8-10) as a way to encourage independent mobility in an urban context. This research is based on a review of children’s wayfinding psychology and planning strategies, inspiring design precedents, a detailed site audit and hands-on mental mapping exercises with children. The result is a set of research, consultation, planning, policy, and design recommendations to develop a child-friendly wayfinding strategy in the Exchange District neighbourhood of Downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Keywords: Wayfinding, children, Independent mobility, Signage, Mental maps, Urban planning, Urban design, City planning, Winnipeg, Downtown, Exchange District

Scarola, Vanessa MCP

Advisor: Dr. Janice Barry

Committee: Dr. Rae Bridgman (City Planning), Dr. Wanda Wuttunee (Native Studies)

Social planning has remained a longstanding element of urban planning practice and continues to be pursued through different institutional structures in Canada. While the City of Winnipeg currently features no municipal social planning department, the City of Vancouver attempts to support its most disadvantaged neighbourhoods through its municipal sector. As these are two cities with high concentrations of Indigenous populations, this research uncovers the degree to which these two social planning models have worked to support the particular needs and interests of residents living in Winnipeg’s North End and Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Through the comparative case study of these two research sites, comprehensive document analysis and semi-structured interviews with key informants from planning agencies in each city, it is evident both models promote socially just and socially sustainable planning processes and outcomes within their respective neighbourhoods. However, neither is without fault. As a government body Vancouver is able to create and track progress in a more systemic way, setting targets and metrics for other government agencies, while information sharing and relationship building are where non-profit organizations in Winnipeg truly excel. This research explains how most non-profit organizations are unable to successfully sustain themselves, while municipal departments lack the rapport grassroots organizations more easily attain. Therefore, an integration of both models could begin to better support Canada’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods with growing urban Indigenous populations.

Keywords: social planning, social justice, social sustainability, Downtown Eastside, North End, government, grassroots, non-profit, Indigenous, advocacy, Canada

Wang, Keke MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Jean Trottier MCIP (City Planning); Kevin Connery (Blue+Green Design Studio)

Preliminary reconnaissance undertaken in summer 2013 identified the scale of stormwater management issues in Xiamen, having frequent storm events that overwhelm the stormwater and sewer infrastructure resulting in widespread flooding. This research explored the role that green facilities play in addressing stormwater issues through the inquiry of Low Impact Development strategies and techniques. From a long-term perspective, green infrastructure planning and implementation is inevitably linked with strong education programs, rational stormwater codes and regulations, a variety of financing and incentives, as well as an integrated and competent administration system. This research presents a design proposal for green infrastructure retrofit for a selected study block in the central area of Xiamen to help guide water sensitive urban design and development in the future. Seven recommendations based on the synthesis of the literature review, key-informant interviews, built-project studies and the retrofit design proposal are proposed. This document will be submitted to Xiamen Urban Planning & Design Institute for considerations to be integrated in city master planning policy and zoning codes and standards as needed and to inform a demonstration project to help advance long-term strategies and recommendations.

Keywords: Low impact development, green infrastructure, flooding, planning, implementation,sustainable stormwater management

Yau, Derek MCP

Advisor: Dr. Orly Linovski

Committee: Dr. Rae Bridgman (City Planning); Amy Kim (University of Alberta)

Keywords: Cycling, first mile problem, transit accessibility, active transportation, Edmonton

2014-2015

Donoff, Gabrielle MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Dr. Ann Marie Murnaghan (Environment and Geography, UofM)

This research explores play as a motivator for pedestrian activity. A typology of playful pedestrian motivators grew from a literature review of walkability and public space, design for winter cities, and the developing concept of ludic cities (spaces guiding spontaneous and undirected playfulness). The typology was tested through comparison across 27 cases of playful urban pedestrian interventions. This process highlights what play can contribute to urban form, and what might be missing from standardized processes of designing, creating and evaluating pedestrian space. The analysis highlights key processes and design elements for incorporating play into the urban environment.

Keywords: Play, Ludic, City Planning, Pedestrian, Activity, Urban Design

Elias, Pam MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom

Committee: Dr. Rae Bridgman (City Planning); Glen Doney MCP MCIP (City of Winnipeg)

The aim of this research is to identify how industrial heritage in redeveloping industrial areas may be used to contribute to a neighbourhood sense of place. This is examined through case studies, semi-structured interviews and first hand observations. Focus is placed on planning processes and results yielded. This project began with the belief that highlighting a community's heritage, when done effectively, and at a comprehensive scale, will foster a distinct neighbourhood character and sense of place. Based on the literature and research collected, an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with incorporating the industrial heritage of South Point Douglas in Winnipeg, Manitoba is provided. Future steps are also recommended. This community was chosen , in part, because of its large supple of underused industrial buildings, its central location, and its historical significance to the development of the City of Winnipeg.

Keywords: Brownfield, Deindustrialization, Heritage Preservation, Sense of Place, Neighbourhood Revitalization, South Point Douglas, Winnipeg

Friesen, Michael MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Dr. Ian Skelton; Karin Hammarland (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)

Despite seemingly widespread support, wind power initiatives often experience controversial development processes that may result in project delays or cancelations. Wind power planning – often derided for ignoring the concerns of local residents – is ideally positioned to engage citizens in determining if and where development may be appropriate. Following the process of a dialogue based landscape analysis in Uddevalla, Sweden, the research endeavours to better understand the ties between landscape and attitudes towards wind power, how concerned parties express these attitudes, and how these attitudes may change through public engagement. In contrast to many existing quantitative studies, the research uses one-on-one interviews with participants of the planning processes to provide a rich qualitative resource for the exploration of the topic. Five themes emerging from the interviews and their analysis, are explored in depth. These themes include: landscape form and function; the expression of public attitudes; changing attitudes; frustration with politicians and processes; and engagement and representation. Consideration is also given to landscape analysis as a method, wind power and planning in the Canadian context, and planning theory. The research indicates that attitudes towards wind power development are tied to planning processes, specifically: that the collective landscape shapes values and attitudes, is developed through discourse, and is composed of competing visions; that when formal avenues of discourse are closed, citizens will self-organize to exert political pressure with potentially damaging side-effects on relationships within the community; and that planning, when directed towards recognising and addressing concerns, can generate positive outcomes concerning attitudes towards wind power. Through engagement processes that embrace the multifaceted nature of landscape, value qualitative factors, are fair and transparent, better localize the benefits of development, and generate unique place-based policies, it is possible to acknowledge and address local concerns while still achieving global renewable energy goals. The research findings and recommendations are expected to be of interest to municipalities, citizens, and renewable energy developers to help form a shared and democratic sustainable energy future.

Keywords: landscape planning, renewable energy, community engagement, public attitudes, sustainability, landscape character assessment (LCA), NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard)

Gill, Pawan MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman

Committee: Gerry Couture FCIP (City Planning); Susanne Dewey-Povoledo MCP MCIP (City of Winnipeg)

This Major Degree Project explores the concept of “complete streets” and the framing of an appropriate “complete streets” checklist for historic districts and character neighbourhoods in downtown contexts, attempting to learn especially from the case of Winnipeg’s Warehouse District Neighbourhood. A “complete streets” checklist is considered to include a combination of infrastructure and urban design considerations, such as sidewalks, bike lanes, intersections, transit stops, curb extensions, travel lane widths, and parking needs. It proceeds from the premise that if an individual street or system of streets is ‘complete’, individuals will be more likely to reduce the time spent using automobiles, and increase the time expended on walking, biking, or using other transit alternatives, while making travel on the streets safer and more enjoyable for all users. The MDP examines the current street-related infrastructure and uses within the Warehouse District Neighbourhood of Downtown Winnipeg and discusses the relevance of current or recent City of Winnipeg plans and proposals. Taking the form of a practicum, the research sought to inform and engage local planners, engineers and public officials regarding a “complete streets” approach to their work – primarily in terms of the recommended framing of a complete streets checklist as well as recommendations for future area improvements in the Warehouse District Neighbourhood, demonstrating the usefulness of the checklist.

Keywords: Complete Streets, Transportation Planning, Framework, Checklists, Warehouse District Neighbourhood, Winnipeg

Henderson, Alex MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom

Committee: Dr. Shauna Mackinnon (City Planning); Dr. Stacy Harwood (Urban and Regional Planning, University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign)

I begin by asking the question: what are socially just forms of economic development? In an era where the inequality of wealth is extreme, it is imperative for planners to understand the philosophical literature about social justice, especially as it pertains to economic development. I attempt to show how ‘socially just economic development’ is possible, in a capitalistic context, when planning works toward increasing the equality of capability for the least advantaged. I posit that this kind of socially just economic development can happen when social enterprises or mainstream businesses are encouraged to locate near to and hire from disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The problem with contemporary urban economic development is that most centres of employments are planned in places that are only truly accessible by people who own vehicles. The other issue is that older and outmoded areas of employment, which are typically closer to less advantaged inner-city neighbourhoods, are often subject to pressures from residential redevelopment or competition from newer employment centres. In addition to this, the role for alternative inner-city employment, such as social enterprises, is not always properly understood. My thesis contains an empirical portion that involves scenario planning. A scenario planning exercise was conducted with stakeholders in the North End and Point Douglas in Winnipeg. The scenario planning yields insights into possible neighbourhood changes that might occur over the next twenty years. These findings are meant to give context for developing planning policies that could produce more socially just outcomes in these neighbourhoods.

Keywords: Planning, Scenarios, Development, Economic, Justice

Kotak, Caitlin MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); David Neufeld PhD RPP MCIP (Province of Manitoba)

This research explored the use of development charges (DCs) as a sustainable planning policy implementation tool to address integrated urban water management (IUWM) principles through the implementation of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) practices. This was accomplished by focusing on whether and how development charges can be used in Canadian slow-growth city regions to provide incentives for sustainable urban infrastructure practices through facilitating the decentralisation of stormwater management. The forms of stormwater management explored included structural landscape- and building- based strategies encompassing bioretention, infiltration, and dispersion. Potential implications were explored from the perspective of planning through semi-structured interviews, to the on-the-ground site design level within development projects through a review of the literature and case study analysis. Findings from the National Capital Region (Ottawa and environs) case study were synthesised into a series of best management practices for implementation of an IUWM DC strategy for the Manitoba Capital Region.

Keywords: Canada, development charge, development finance, environmental price reform, green infrastructure, integrated urban water management, IUWM, Manitoba Capital Region, municipal finance, National Capital Region, planning, policy, stormwater management, sustainability, sustainable development, sustainable water management, urban design, urban planning, urban water, water infrastructure, WSUD.

Li, Shengxu MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Ian Hall, MCIP (Office of Sustainability, UofM)

This research project explores the integration of the concept of urban green infrastructure (GI) into three “green plans” developed by four Winnipeg inner-city neighbourhoods. Through a literature review, “green plans” evaluation, key-informant interviews, and a focus group interview, many factors that influence on the urban green infrastructure planning in Winnipeg have been identified. These factors were synthesized with a SWOT-TOWS framework to identify strategies and measures to address situations that these inner-city neighbourhoods might face in the process of urban GI planning. Several conclusions have been drawn to summarize the research results, including: green infrastructure planning in the Winnipeg urban neighbourhood context will be taking different physical forms in terms of network connection, which will have great impact on the GI benefits, GI planning principles and processes, and planning practices in those Winnipeg inner-city neighbourhoods; the “green plans” of the four Winnipeg inner-city neighbourhoods provide valuable lessons for preparing for future urban GI planning; and incorporating urban green infrastructure into current neighbourhood “green plans” will face various opportunities and challenges. Combined with some internal factors, these opportunities and challenges put GI planning in different situations, each of which needs their own strategies and measures.

Keywords: Green Infrastructure, Green Plans, Inner-City Neighbourhoods

McStravick, Kyle MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Skelton

Committee: Dr. Janice Barry (City Planning); Dr. Iain Davidson-Hunt (Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba)

This thesis sets out to identify a possible linkage between the concept of informality and Indigenous planning, and explore a role for planners in that linkage. It takes as a jumping-off point a 2010 Indigenous Planning Studio project in which two Master of City Planning (MCP) students assisted the Fisher River Cree Nation in developing street names and addresses for their reserve community, an exercise later determined to be an example of planners working with informality. Ways in which planners may contribute to the fostering of more useful relationships between more and less formal systems are also explored. The thesis looks at the extent to which embracing urban informality and making it part of the standard discourse on planning could help make the planning more relevant and improve its usefulness at the intersection between formality and informality.

Keywords: Informality, Planning, Indigenous, Canada, Wayfinding

Rempel, Laura MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom

Committee: Dr. Shauna MacKinnon (City Planning); Lynne Fernandez (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives)

City planners as allies for social justice depend on understanding the relationship between and consequences of capitalism, and urbanism and demands more just alternatives for collective and democratic self-determination. Systemic political and economic practices as well as the traditional planning role of neutrality, limit planners’ ability to implement evidence-based, non-partisan, socially just standards, plans and processes. The right to the city lens is an interdisciplinary call to action to expose injustice, propose alternatives and politicize issues, citizens and spatial environments. Applying this organizing concept requires critical reflection, learning and debate on the role and responsibility of the profession to work toward democracy, ethics, collective rights and justice to challenge oppressive practices and redistribute power and wealth. Community organizations in Winnipeg, such as City Watch highlight a coordinated approach to civic literacy and change. With leadership, vision, and collective responsibility, planners and allies can envision and build more equitable communities.

Keywords: City Planning, Politics, Governance, Community Organizing, Social Justice, Professional Ethics, Democracy, Right to the City, Collective Rights

2013-2014

Feenstra, Brock MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Wight

Committee: Dr. David van Vliet (City Planning); Rodney McDonald (The McDonald Company)

Ecological and social challenges have tested the ability of conventional land development as a route to a sustainable future. Early sustainability paradigms have been part of the response towards better development practices, but many critics have argued that more needs to be done – to move beyond essentially degenerative sustainability paradigms towards more explicitly regenerative sustainability paradigms. This practicum examines the Canada Lands Company (CLC) development of its CFB Calgary properties (Garrison Woods and Currie Barracks) to explore the progress around sustainability paradigms and to prospect the case for Regenerative Design and Development (RD+D) as a new operative worldview governing CLC’s planning and land development practices. A literature review and a series of focused interviews with key informants were the main research methods, within the context of the case study set, to pursue a series of research questions, culminating with: How – and in what ways, with what rationale – could RD+D be considered an appropriate new worldview for CLC’s next generation of leading-edge-seeking projects? What are its prospects? It was generally concluded that RD+D is a viable, emerging sustainability approach for CLC. More specifically, on the basis of this research, CFB Calgary was assessed as having been developed with what may now be defined as a green approach – implicitly sustainable, in aspiration at least; the next progression on this would involve a more explicit sustainable approach, then restorative, all laying the ground for a potentially regenerative approach. If RD+D had been the operative worldview during inception and execution of CFB Calgary, there would almost certainly have been a very different process and outcome. However, it would probably require a dedicated champion of RD+D, within CLC, for this post-conventional sustainability approach to be seriously considered. The Company’s track record – as an innovative land developer – encourages the view that RD+D could well be a good fit – as a potential next-generation planning and development approach.

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Keywords: Regenerative Design and Development, Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Urban Sustainability, Canada Lands Company, Garrison Woods, Currie Barracks, CFB Calgary

Friesen, Andrei MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: James Platt MCP (City of Winnipeg); Alec Stuart MCP (Manitoba Hydro)

In light of pressing challenges including climate change and energy security, urban planners are increasingly being required to make decisions that can be attributed to reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Energy mapping is an emerging approach used to make improved energy-related decisions and predict energy performance, although at the time of writing, has not been applied within a Manitoban context. Informed by promising practice utilized in other Canadian locales, this research creates an energy mapping process for use in the City of Winnipeg’s residential sector. The Ebby-Wentworth neighbourhood is analyzed to develop and test the mapping process. The process begins with determining baseline energy use for the neighbourhood, and is then compared to three development scenarios, which include the use of retrofits, and new construction on an adjacent development site. The results of applying the energy mapping approach in Winnipeg demonstrates this to be a key decision-making tool for planners looking to make informed decisions related to energy-using equipment, building and site design, and land use and infrastructure. Recommendations include: increased use of the energy mapping approach as a decision-making tool through enhanced collaboration between federal and provincial authorities, municipalities, and utilities; incorporating energy considerations into the planning and development process through revised and updated energy legislation, policy and programming; and, further refining and testing of the energy mapping process designed for this research to develop a best-practice approach for mapping energy use within the Province of Manitoba.

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Keywords: Dwelling Archetypes, Ebby-Wentworth, Energy Decision-Making Tool, Energy Mapping, Energy Mapping Process, Energy Planning, Fort Rouge Yards, GIS, Manitoba Hydro, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Winnipeg Residential Energy Mapping Process (WREMP)

Gaudet, Lacey MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Wight

Committee: William Ashton (City Planning); Allison Driedger MCP (Province of Manitoba)

The purpose of this practicum was to examine the evolution of planning for rural non-farm residential development (RN-FRD), in terms of trends, policy and practice. An analysis of trends, and underlying changes, in planning policy and regulation in Southern Manitoba, since the 1970s, is presented - with a particular interest in farming-dominated regions outside the Winnipeg Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). More specifically, the practicum examines how land use planning for RN-FRD has evolved – over the last decade – especially in the vicinity of certain (official or unofficial) Large Urban Centres (LUCs), situated in non-metropolitan settings. It reviews how literature addressing RN-FRD in the 1970s may have influenced early policy evolution, and how recent literature might be considered to better inform current planning surrounding RN-FRD. The underlying issues are addressed through a targeted literature review, interviews with key informants/stakeholders, and comparative case study of the recent Development Plan experiences of three rural planning jurisdictions in Southern Manitoba - one Rural Municipality, of Hanover (RMH); and two Planning Districts – Brandon and Area (BAPD), and Rhineland Plum Coulee Gretna Altona (RPGAPD). All three have been experiencing significant RN-FRD, and have notably attempted to address RN-FRD within their Development Plan. In summary, the practicum assesses planning for RN-FRD in Southern Manitoba over the past four decades – in terms of both policy and practice, and concludes with recommendations for both planners and policy makers, including: how to better define RN-FRD, planning beyond municipal boundaries, the incorporation of better long-term planning, and integrating infill approaches to RN-FRD. The research inevitably deals with the tension between professional planners and others – notably the elected and administrative officials responsible for the planning jurisdictions. A better balancing of the interests of both is explored, around the common ground of better planning for RN-FRD in the future. The research indicates that a new alliance may be emerging; it is no longer such a pronounced case of ‘them versus us’.

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Keywords: Rural, Non-Farm Residential, Land Use, Planning, Manitoba, Policies

Harris, Dylan MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Dr. Rae Bridgman (City Planning); Suzanne Dewey-Povoledo MCP (City of Winnipeg)

The amount of cycling infrastructure in Winnipeg has drastically increased in recent years, yet network fragmentation and winter weather prevent many from considering cycling as a year round transportation option. This project explores what design characteristics exist in safe, efficient, accessible and resilient cycling networks in winter cities. This study conducted comparative analysis between Winnipeg and Minneapolis, Minnesota; another cold weather city, which has been recognized as one of the most bike friendly cities in the United States. Through key informant interviews, ethnography and visual analysis, recommendations have been developed which emphasize the importance of quality, connected infrastructure and consistent political support in improving the cycling network in Winnipeg. The research concludes successful cycling networks require context specific approaches to the physical, political and social landscapes in which they exist. Further, the research suggests engagement with network users is an effective way to improve cycling infrastructure design.

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Keywords: City Planning, Cycling, Design, Winter, Active Transportation, Sustainable Development, Winnipeg, Minneapolis

O'Brien, Carole MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom

Committee: Dr. Shauna MacKinnon (Social Work); Dr. Jim Silver (University of Winnipeg)

Becoming an ally to Indigenous peoples, as a planner, depends on understanding the oppressive dynamics of colonialism and neoliberalism that invisibilize their everyday realities. Resisting these dynamics as an ally, and as a planner, also depends on becoming liberated from them, and to create spaces for collectivization, since only the collective has the power to resist the oppressive systems and discourses that characterize these ideologies. In Winnipeg, a coalition of Indigenous inner city community development practitioners (CLOUT) is effectively resisting these hegemonies. Contrasting this everyday resistance praxis is the practice of non-Indigenous city planners who are placated in their own everyday by the problems of difference and separation these hegemonies produce; effectively being thwarted in their ability to resist. Alliance building will remain a challenge between these two groups, that is unless the planners learn from CLOUT: become allies to each other, unlearn their euro-western way of thinking and learn the value of practices oriented towards integration, that in themselves counter the divisive nature colonialism and neoliberalism.

Keywords: Colonialsim, Neoliberalism, Anti-Colonial Practices, Alliance Building, Planning, Winnipeg, Inner City, Indigenous, Oppression, Difference, Invisibility, Discourse

Rautenberg, Joyce MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Skelton

Committee: Dr. Christoper Leo (City Planning); Suzanne Gessler MCP (Researcher)

Considering planning and development of supervised consumption sites in an urban setting will enrich future processes in communities that are interested in implementing their own sites. This project brings an experiential knowledge component and promotes a qualitative understanding of addiction. Uncovering the potential roles of planners and policymakers in planning and developing supervised consumption sites is the overarching goal. Drawing on precedents and utilizing interview methodologies, knowledge was shared about the various challenges and opportunities in developing the sites. The interviews were summarized into constructions, or my interpretation of what I heard; then they were distilled into key themes that should be considered for future planning. The theme of supervised consumption sites as part of a larger network emphasizes the chances for planners to get involved, and to generate new knowledge with communities. The project concludes with the implications for theory and practice in the planning profession and a list of lessons learned for interested individuals, neighbourhoods and different levels of government.

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Keywords: City Planning, Health, Addiction, Urban Issues

Saftiuk, Elisabeth MCP

Advisor: Gerry Couture FCIP

Committee: Linda McFadyen FCIP (City Planning), Veronica Hicks MCP (Longboat Development Corporation)

Downtowns contribute significantly to the economy of cities and as a result, decision makers are increasingly recognizing the fundamental value and importance of maintaining viable downtown cores. Following the post-war era of urban decay and suburban expansion, there have been widespread attempts nationwide to reverse trends and to revitalize downtowns. In the Winnipeg context, urban renewal was practiced throughout the 1960s and 1970s; tripartite agreements were utilized during the 1980s; and development corporations were introduced throughout the 1980s and 1990s as a way to encourage private sector investment with targeted public sector investments. This practicum investigates the relationship between planning and development in the downtown revitalization context. In particular, this research aims to discover the extent to which a downtown development agency may have facilitated the better integration of planning and development in a city’s downtown, where revitalization has been very much on the public agenda. Winnipeg’s CentreVenture Development Corporation was used as a case study to explore this relationship. It was established in 1999 and continues to operate today. This paper attempts to determine the extent of its involvement, and the manner by which this arms-length government agency has aided and influenced tangible development in Winnipeg’s downtown. Furthermore, the case study was used to understand the nature, scope and form of related downtown revitalization, and to distill any learning about the general topic that might be applicable in other comparable settings. The practicum concludes by providing potentially transferable best practices to cities with similar characteristics and with recommendations for both CentreVenture Development Corporation and its shareholder, the City of Winnipeg.

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Keywords: CentreVenture, Revitalization, Development Corporation, Downtown, Winnipeg, Urban Renewal, Tri-Level Agreement, Core Area Initiative

Washchyshyn, Johanna MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Wight

Committee: Dr. Rae Bridgman (City Planning); Gerald Couture FCIP (City Planning); Edith Friesen (Independent)

Intercultural communication addresses some of the apparent challenges that surface from interactions among diverse people. The concept stretches beyond language and dialect barriers and includes the ways in which culture influences how people understand, create and respond to communication depending on where they are from, their life experiences, social structure, ethnicity, religion, education, occupation, and so on. This research acknowledges that culture is a broad and difficult to define concept because it influences individuals and groups in different ways, especially in an era of globalization. Through an exploration of literature, semi-structured interviews and a focus group, and applying the concept of intercultural communication to active planning practice, the research examines how a sample of Winnipeg planners learn and practice such intercultural communication. Their perspectives on this practice are then considered in the context of collaboration, where it is concluded that intercultural communication competencies can directly foster collaboration. The practice has potential benefits for the many diverse publics that now need to be better served through planning processes. Intercultural communication is an important practice of planners in culturally diverse cities such as Winnipeg because planners often find themselves in intermediary 'bridging' roles among diverse cultures. It is confirmed that intercultural communication requires a necessary set of competencies, values and skills that must influences one's planning practice.

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Keywords: Intercultural, Communitcation, Planning, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Diversity, Interculturalism, Collaboration, Competencies

2012-2013

Beukens, Robin MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Wight

Committee: Dr. David van Vliet (City Planning); Dr. David Neufeld (Province of Manitoba)

Watershed planning and land use development planning are two different planning processes dealing with many of the same water and land resources. Watershed planning is conducted on watershed boundaries; land use development plans focus on municipal or planning district boundaries. It is important that these plans are properly integrated so they are mutually supportive of one another. This study focuses on Manitoba, where land and water issues include potential floods and droughts, poor water quality in major lakes, and the need to protect drinking water for human use. The severity of these issues could increase in the future as Manitoba is projected to experience climate change that will further impact water and land resources in the province.
The research explores different modes of integration, finding that collaboration is valuable in some circumstances in terms of maximizing collective resources, but that it is important to build upon strong cooperation and coordination. Results indicate that land use planners have a role to play in watershed management, using both technical and soft skills to protect watershed health through land use planning tools and plans. Watershed management planning and land use planning integration in other Canadian provinces is explored. The study concludes with a conceptual framework for integrating watershed and land use plans, as well as recommendations for improving integration in Manitoba, including: ongoing public education, pooling existing resources, more collaboration between watershed and land use planners, consideration of future water-related land use regulatory authority for watershed-based organizations, establishing clear responsibility for ensuring integration, continued learning by doing, creating a guiding framework for integrating watershed plans and land use plans, and using an adaptive management approach in both planning processes.

Keywords: Watersheds, Land Use, Planning, Integration, Cooperation, Coordination, Collaboration, Manitoba.

Clark, Devin MCP

Establishing a Framework for Inner-Ring Suburb Sustainability in Winnipeg

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom

Committee: Dr. David van Vliet (City Planning); Hazel Borys (Placemakers Inc.)

Sustainable development is an objective that attempts to address global growth and change in an environmental, economic and social manner. Rapidly increasing global populations and growing concerns over resource scarcity and climate change are challenges to these goals. This practicum explores the relationship between sustainable development objectives and an inner-ring suburban neighbourhood in Winnipeg. The intent is to gain insights into how inner-ring suburbs can facilitate a more sustainable future. The research revealed eight themes associated with sustainable urban development, including: community development, land use diversification, better buildings, open space, transportation, water management, waste management, and economic development. A total of 45 associated action opportunities were proposed for an implementation plan for the study area. Challenges and barriers to the implementation of these actions include: political support, financial constraints, physical growth limitations, behavioural change, existing policies and by-laws, action opportunity dependency and education for sustainable development.

Collinson, Jill MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Wight

Committee: Gerry Couture FCIP (City Planning); Pam Shaw (Vancouver Island University)

Unincorporated areas within a regional planning context are often of an essential ‘in-between’ nature — facing unique community-specific and site-specific challenges. These challenges include: identifying appropriate growth management strategies, examining how growth containment is best effected, and determining how this is best integrated in the unincorporated rural area context — especially where these areas are adjacent to rapidly growing incorporated urban-region centres. There are also considerations around how concepts, such as Complete Communities and Agricultural Urbanism, can be applied to such contexts — and how such concepts may facilitate a tighter, and more seamless, relationship between the typically polar opposite interventions under the banners of regional planning and community design. This practicum examines how the concepts of Complete Communities and Agricultural Urbanism are and/or could be applied to unincorporated rural areas as part of an approach to a combination of planning and design — as placemaking. The Regional District of Nanaimo’s Rural Village Centre (RDN RVC) strategy provides the main case study context, along with several other ostensibly comparable BC regional district settings as potentially informative precedents. It was discovered that there are increasing linkages between regional planning and community design that may be further advanced via a placemaking perspective. Of special note are the opportunities associated with adaptations of the concepts of Complete Communities and Agricultural Urbanism in the unincorporated rural context; referencing these concepts can enhance the linkages between the ‘unincorporated rural settings’ and their ‘incorporated’ municipal neighbours. The research has helped to identify where there may be room for improvement around RDN RVC strategies, and how they may be better applied in the future.

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Keywords: planning; rural; regional; unincorporated; complete communities; agricultural urbanism; rural village centre; Regional District of Nanaimo

Ferguson, Erin MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Dr. Ian Skelton (City Planning); Ross Mitchell MCIP (Genivar)

Sustainability is vital to the success of our cities and settlements. While communities are becoming increasingly conversant with sustainability concepts, uncertainty remains over how to translate these into planning practice. This practicum explores the role of sustainability checklists as one tool for planning and designing more sustainable communities. The inquiry examines the design, implementation and effectiveness of these tools and seeks to understand the motivation and context in which they are developed, the varying approaches and components of checklist tools, and the impact that they are having on planning and development practices. A review of twenty-four sustainability checklists from a selection of BC municipalities, an online survey and key informant interviews were used to inform this study. Nine key findings are identified suggesting that while checklists are helping to communicate sustainability objectives and are encouraging better development, they are not resulting in the large scale shifts to development patterns and urban systems that are required to achieve sustainable outcomes; therefore, checklists need to be integrated with other policies, regulations and tools in order to assist in achieving sustainable settlements.

Keywords: sustainable urban development; sustainability assessment tools; development review process.

Hildebrand, Jonathan MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Skelton

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Dr. Wanda Wuttunee (Native Studies)

Indigenous planning continues to emerge globally, with increasing emphasis being placed on Indigenous autonomy and planning practices. Much of its theory, practice, and literature are often oriented toward rural settings, but in Canada, where more and more Aboriginal people continue to move to urban centres, questions of urban Indigenous planning and development are becoming more pertinent. By discussing an example of urban Indigenous planning – specifically the values and characteristics of the Neeginan project or vision for the North Main area of Downtown Winnipeg – this thesis aims to shed some light on urban Indigenous planning, as well as how it may differ from, and overlap with, other forms of planning and other types of spaces and built environments within the city. In doing so, it offers not only an assessment of Indigenous planning as it has been undertaken in a particular urban context. It also offers an assessment of how planning in general can continue to decolonize its practices as it learns to better support and relate to Indigenous priorities and planning approaches.

The analysis relies on interviews with people involved with Neeginan over the years, Neeginan-related planning documents, as well as City of Winnipeg planning documents, to examine three main issues: the distinct qualities of urban Indigenous planning in a multicultural context; the ways in which conventional Western planning processes, historically rooted in colonial structures and mindsets, have operated in relation to Aboriginal peoples in Winnipeg; and the ways in which these two issues – the flourishing of Indigenous planning and the decolonization of Western planning practices – might overlap and interact in a discussion of the Neeginan case.

Keywords: indigenous planning; urban planning; colonialism; decolonization; urban space; Winnipeg, MB; Aboriginal.

Horton, Krysti MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Wight

Committee: Dr. David van Vliet (City Planning); Beth Sanders MCIP (Populus Community Planning Inc.)

This practicum examines how planners can exchange tacit knowledge about climate change adaptation, in order to create better communities and to further the profession. Two regions of British Columbia - the Lower Mainland and the Kootenay’s - provided case studies to determine if and how tacit knowledge was exchanged. These two regions are provincial leaders in climate change adaptation, yet their constituent communities are at different stages of adaptation. Through a literature review and case study analysis - featuring key informant interviews, the practicum demonstrates that tacit knowledge is indeed being exchanged within the regions, yet not as strongly between them. Recommendations are offered aiming to improve tacit knowledge exchange within the profession of planning – among planners and through their professional planning Institutes, and for such exchange to be better supported by planning education.

Keywords: Tacit knowledge; professional planner; climate change adaptation; professional knowledge exchange

Larson, Christopher MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Dr. Ian Wight (City Planning); Dr. Michael Campbell (Natural Resources Institute)

While outdoor recreation resources may be developed as infrastructure to benefit the tourist economy, through community-based planning efforts such developments can achieve a wider range of community benefits. This research project examines the role of outdoor recreation development in urban and regional planning strategies enabling a deeper understanding about how these amenities can enhance our communities and make them more resilient, diverse, and healthy. Stakeholder interviews and user surveys focusing on the implications of the ongoing development of the City of Revelstoke BC bicycle network were conducted to further inform this study. The Integral framework adopted in the analysis proved to be valuable for the inclusion of a broad range of perspectives. Nine recommendations are identified with relevance for the planning profession, suggesting that outdoor recreation can play a significant role in community building, enhancing social equity, and providing a means of urban enhancement. The research findings indicate that collaborative partnerships are vital to the planning process towards creating valued outdoor recreation amenities that align with local community perceptions, while creating a unique community-based experience attractive to tourists.

Keywords: planning; active transportation; integral theory; outdoor recreation

Mbadugha, Marie Ceclie MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Skelton

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Dianne Himbeault, MCIP (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

This practicum examined Indigenous planning as the theoretical framework and foundation of this project. Literature reviews on First Nations on-reserve housing conditions were examined to understand the struggles Indigenous communities face when it comes to housing. Based on the literature reviews, it was determined that housing has been an issue in many First Nation communities, perpetuating a demand for planning to explore remedies to minimize or eradicate this social concern. From understanding Indigenous planning practices, the practicum explored the Indigenous community of Swan Lake First Nation (SLFN) and the housing challenges they experience. Through planning with SLFN community members to determine methods that would address the housing challenges, the development of a community housing plan was suggested. The process and development of SLFN community housing plan was documented in this practicum.

Keywords: Indigenous planning; housing; First Nation community housing plan; Swan Lake First Nation; First Nation on-reserve housing conditions

McCullough, Scott MCP

Advisor: Dr. Sheri Blake

Committee: Linda McFadyen FCIP (City Planning, Province of Manitoba); Dr. Shirley Thompson (Natural Resources Insititute)

This thesis examines energy planning to reduce GHG emissions from cities. Examining federal government policy to reduce GHG emissions suggests that municipalities and provinces may be the better government levels for action. A review of types of municipal energy planning, and energy-GHG reduction plans from three cities shows different strategies and policies in implementation, and differing levels of success. Interviewing planners from these case-study cities provides critical insight into the challenges of implementing energy-GHG planning. The lessons learned show the best course of action for other jurisdictions, including the importance of an appropriate policy framework to support municipalities. Such a framework is suggested by this thesis. This research is meant to inform planners of best practices, challenges, opportunities, and courses of action for municipalities in formulating GHG reduction strategies.

Keywords: urban planning; energy planning; energy policy-Canada; energy planning-municipalities.

Norman, Meghan MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Wight

Committee: Dr. Christopher Leo (City Planning); Cathy Auld MCP (Winnipeg Foundation)

Partnering between municipalities within a city-region is not an easy task. Often there are challenges in the partnering process especially in relation to balancing planning and governance. This research examines how city-region partnerships can move beyond conflict to position themselves to be more successful, both locally and globally. The Calgary Regional Partnership (CRP) serves as the main case study. Located in one of Canada’s fastest growing regions, both in terms of population and resource development, the Calgary region is struggling to move forward as a city-region partnership. The struggle appears to be rooted in past regional planning conflicts that have never been adequately resolved. Based on CRP experience, the project examines how city-regions in Canada can move beyond such conflict and associated challenges with particular interest in: the role of planners, the case for collaboration, and the pursuit of a ‘new regionalism’ approach.

Keywords: regional planning; conflict; new regionalism; Calgary

Sandhu Jerez, Simi MCP

Advisor: Michael Dudley

Committee: Dr. Ian Skelton (City Planning), Catherine Charette (Winnipeg Regional Health Authority)

In June 2010, Canada’s Conservative majority government made a controversial announcement that the mandatory long form Census of Canada questionnaire would be replaced by the voluntary National Household Survey, as the former was deemed to be too invasive to Canadians’ privacy, threatening imprisonment for non-compliance. This practicum examines the anticipated implications of the Census change through an analysis of existing information – the repository of letters either supporting or contesting the elimination of the mandatory questionnaire. Planning processes are contingent upon understanding socio-economic conditions and demographic distribution. The long form Census is arguably an integral planning tool that provides an indication of community change. This research explores the role of information with respect to planning processes and the use of knowledge in enabling power within or over communities. Finally, this practicum provides suggestions for planners to mitigate changes to statistical information and adapt planning processes.

Keywords: census; National Household Survey; mandatory long form census; voluntary; mandatory; NHS.

Short, Aaron MCP

Advisor: Dr. Sheri Blake

Committee: Dr. David van Vliet (City Planning), Maire McDermott (U of M Office of Sustainability)

This practicum analyzes the leadership, management practices, and organizational structure of five university gardening organizations, to determine if they have had an impact on the spaces of agricultural production in the cities in which they exist. The research concludes that if university gardens/farms are to become successful demonstration projects within their cities they must: 1) have strong, collaborative, and flexible leadership structures; 2) effectively communicate with stakeholders; 3) generate consistent funding; 4) demonstrate their success on campus and within their communities; 5) create linkages with academic and community organizations; 6) create goals and objectives that overlap with university and municipal strategic plans. Furthermore, this study illustrates that university gardens/farms are important to planners as ‘living laboratories’ of urban food production; as well as educational tools that build the capacity of residents to grow local food, and understand the importance of agricultural urbanism (AU) for city planning and design.

Keywords: university community gardens/farms; sustainable campus design; community development; agricultural urbanism; food systems planning; urban food security.

Velarde-Trejo, Fernando MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet

Committee: Dr: Ian Wight (City Planning); Dr. Shirley Thompspn (Natural Resources Institute).

The research project focused on studying the effectiveness of placemaking initiatives to promote social, physical and economic improvements. The case of study is the Central Park neighbourhood in Winnipeg, Manitoba, named after its major public space. The research indicated placemaking initiatives were capable of contributing to increasing safety, promoting community development and enhancing opportunities for social interaction. However, the capacity of placemaking to achieve positive improvements is directly determined by the involved stakeholders. The Central Park initiatives were successful due to the emphasis on engaging the residents and neighbourhood organizations. The residents were given the opportunity to meaningfully share their experience and aspirations with external stakeholders. The collaborative approach to placemaking contributed to the development of a sense of ownership. The residents saw their input reflected in the amenities and programming offered in Central Park. The planning profession can benefit from using placemaking practices to engage in comprehensive planning.

Keywords: placemaking; comprehensive planning; farmers market; urban revitalization; inner city neighbourhood

Webb, Robyn MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom

Committee: Dr. Ian Skelton (City Planning); Kerniel Aasland (University of Winnipeg)

This research project explored the relationship between municipal governments and community economic development (CED). It identified the unique role that municipal governments play in promoting CED, gives policy recommendations for advancing the transformative and innovative elements of CED within local governments, and identified models of innovative practice in municipal policy related to CED. The project focused on medium-sized municipalities in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and northern Ontario. The thesis profiles important roles that municipalities play in supporting CED and uses examples from the research to illustrate these roles. Lastly, Haughton’s (1998) multifaceted definition of CED (p. 876) was used to place each municipality on a spectrum from ‘localist transformative’ CED to ‘gap filling’ CED and examples were given from the research to show which municipalities had the strongest and most innovative support of CED and those that were less successful.

Keywords: CED

2011-2012

Barletta, Vincent MCP

Advisor: Dr. Sheri Blake

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Linda Ring (City of Winnipeg, Retired)

Public participation continues to hold an uncertain position in professional city planning practice. At the scale of the neighbourhood, planners are faced with a variety of options to engage the public and key stakeholders. This case study will compare three public engagement processes taking place in the South Point Douglas neighbourhood of Winnipeg. Each of the processes will highlight differing approaches to the relationship between planner and public in a neighbourhood context. Key stakeholder interviews are used at the conclusion of the study to evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of these planning processes.

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Keywords: Winnipeg; participation; neighbourhood; planning

Edenloff, Jacob MCP

Advisor: Dr. Sheri Blake

Committee: Dr. Rae Bridgman (City Planning); Dr. Javier Mignone (Family Social Sciences)

Community arts are potentially valuable tools in building community and regenerating distressed neighbourhoods. Community-based art organizations exist in most major cities across North America and abroad. These groups are concerned with social and environmental community issues (e.g., youth poverty, sustainability, racism) and use art as a medium for social change through community empowerment and personal development. Many of these organizations operate on limited funding and are required to complete program evaluations to demonstrate the merit of their programs. While some program evaluation literature touches on the role of arts-based research methods, very little focuses specifically on using these methods with community-based art organizations—particularly organizations with programming intended for children and youth. This Major Degree Project seeks to address this gap and explore the role of creative, arts-based evaluation methods for community-based art organizations’ program evaluation.

Research for this Major Degree Project adopted a case study approach, initially focusing on an evaluation process for a community-based environmental art workshop organized and facilitated by Art City—a community-based art organization in the West Broadway neighbourhood in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Employing participant observation, semi-structured key stakeholder interviews with staff and volunteers at Art City, and a collaborative evaluation workshop, this study sought to understand: how arts-based evaluation methods may enrich the data gathered through conventional evaluation methods; what other community-based art organizations can learn from Art City’s experiences with arts-based evaluation methods; and, what community planning practitioners can learn from arts-based evaluation methods.

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Keywords: Community development; community-based art; program evaluation; evaluation methodology; arts-based evaluation; Winnipeg, Manitoba

Graham, Shelagh MCP

Advisor: Gerry Couture FCIP

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Molly Johnson (City Planning); Alan Freeman (Greater London Authority)

Temporary uses generally have a low profile in urban planning; there is not much research on them at this time and they are not a conventional tool within planners’ “tool kits.” The purpose of this practicum is to explore the effectiveness of temporary uses as tools for reanimating underutilized spaces and supporting strong urban design, especially in a slow growth city like Winnipeg. The argument put forward is that a better understanding of temporary uses and how they can be encouraged will make planning and design in downtown Winnipeg more flexible and adaptable to changing urban conditions while making better use of available space. The objectives of this research are to provide an overview of contemporary theory and practices regarding the temporary use of urban spaces; to develop recommendations for encouraging effective temporary use in Winnipeg; and to highlight gaps in the literature and to suggest directions for further research. Specific questions are asked regarding the claimed benefits and drawbacks to temporary uses of space, regarding the applicability of experiences in other cities to Winnipeg’s planning context, and regarding changes that could be make to Winnipeg’s policies practice in order to support and encourage a wider range temporary use projects. Several research methods, including a literature review, precedent studies, context analysis and policy document review, and stakeholder consultations, provide information to help develop eight recommendations suggesting improvements that could be made to the way in which temporary use projects are currently handled in Winnipeg.

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Keywords: Temporary use; urban planning

Gratton, Matthew MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Skelton

Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Jake Wegmann (University of California, Berkeley)

This practicum examines the role of secondary dwelling units (secondary suites), as employed by the City of Edmonton, in the implementation of affordable housing policy. It seeks to understand the context in which the City‟s secondary dwelling unit program was developed, the various components of the program, and the impacts of the program. A review of the literature on this topic, a review of key City documents, a review of permit and grant allocation data, key informant interview, as well as a survey of target neighbourhood residents were used to inform this study. Results from the study suggest that while that the program has made a significant contribution to the creation of affordable housing stock in the city and is generally supported by residents, details of the program may not be well understood by the public. Finally, key informant interviews point to possible future directions for the strategy.

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Keywords: secondary suites; accessory apartments; affordable housing; Edmonton, AB; urban planning

Huck, Erin MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Skelton
Committee: Shauna MacKinnon (City Planning, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives); Jim Silver (University of Winnipeg)

Participatory budgeting (PB) is worth considering as a planning tool. It makes claims to encourage citizenship (Schugurensky, 2004), spark “transformative community development” (Lerner, 2006) and cultivate innovative forms of governance while improving the accountability of those already in place (Wampler, 2000, 2007; Wampler & Avritzer, 2004). In North America, PB is an overlooked public engagement mechanism that can introduce citizen input into place making and a timely participatory practice. This thesis seeks to understand current PB practice, and to propose a form and function of PB for Winnipeg. Empirical research of three PB examples (Toronto Community Housing, the Neighbourhood Support Coalition in Guelph, Ontario, and the 49th Ward in Chicago, Illinois) contributes to a proposed PB framework for Winnipeg that is tested with members of the community development sector in Winnipeg.

Keywords: participatory budgeting; planning; Winnipeg, MB

Maes, Christina MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Skelton
Committee: Molly Johnson (City Planning); Dr. Wanda Wuttunee (Native Studies)

Increased knowledge about Aboriginal women’s unique experiences of homelessness will assist in improving and altering service systems. Planning theory suggests planners can consciously work to ensure the stories of marginalized peoples are heard and understood, which can transform systems and institutions. From an Indigenous planning perspective, transformation must involve reflecting on and altering colonial systems. Using survey, focus group, and interview methodologies, various types of stories were told, analysed and retold as common themes and overarching considerations. In this research, stories about trauma and tragedy were told as common and shared experiences. The women participating spoke about a need to be heard and respected and throughout their stories gaps in services were shown to dramatically reduce their ability to change their own circumstances. Recommendations were developed with Aboriginal women experiencing homelessness with the intent of transforming systems to begin a new story of healing and hope.

Keywords: homelessness; aboriginal; planning.

Pachcinski, Marcin MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Skelton
Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); John Guenther (City of Revelstoke)

This thesis looks at public participation in the formulation of three official community plans within the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. As background, a historical review of the literature makes the case that historical events led to the democratization of planning and supports communicative action theory as a pragmatic framework for modern planners. An examination of local government legislation and practice exposes the great deal of discretion afforded to each local government. Local resident advisory group members’ experiences, gained through face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews, are analyzed using qualitative data coding. The analysis reveals four major themes across the three processes: sense of agency and level of input, process, power and group identity and cohesion. The interview analysis is then fed back through the literature, lending varied support to the communicative turn in planning and providing a more broad interpretation of the data that informs future planning practice.

Keywords: planning; collaborative; Columbia Shuswap; public participation; British Columbia; official community plan.

Pratte, Jeffrey MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman
Committee: Michael Dudley MCP MCIP (City Planning); Susanne Dewey-Povoledo MCP (City of Winnipeg)

Bicycles offer an efficient, emission-free mode of transportation, particularly ideal for shorter distances in urban areas. Consequently, bicycling is increasingly being perceived as a viable and important part of the urban transportation mix. Despite increased progress and attention, few cities have successfully incorporated cycling as a key feature of their urban policy, or substantially increased cycling’s modal share. Meanwhile, research suggests that climate and weather influence cycling and transportation in urban areas, with cold climates in particular reducing the likelihood of cycling. This research examines how bicycling can be mainstreamed in winter cities, thereby improving cycling conditions and increasing modal share. Oulu, Finland serves as a case study. Located at 65 degrees latitude, Oulu has a twenty percent modal share for cycling. A close examination how cycling was mainstreamed is presented and synthesized. The goal is to present Oulu’s experience in bicycle planning as a model for other winter cities, particularly in Canada.

Keywords: bicycling; city planning; sustainability; Oulu; transportation planning; Finland; winter cities; sustainable transportation

Reaney, Vicky MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet
Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Susanne Dewey Povoledo MCP (City of Winnipeg)

This practicum examines the opportunities and challenges for transit-oriented development (TOD) at strategic station areas along the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor (SWRTC) in Winnipeg. Research included three case studies that investigated policy support, station area planning and implementation tools in the City and County of Denver, City of Boulder and the City of Ottawa. Three recommendations are outlined in the concluding chapter. The first is to develop Smart Growth land use policies that direct growth to station areas along the SWRTC. The second is to develop station area plans that indicate the permitted land uses, urban form and densities at station areas. The third is to create a zoning overlay for TOD to that embraces compact, pedestrian oriented development, mixed land uses and reduced off-street parking requirements. These recommendations are of particularly benefit to the City of Winnipeg and to other municipalities that are investing in rapid transit systems and TOD.

Keywords: transit-oriented development; Winnipeg, MB; station area planning; bus rapid transit; Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor

Schulz, Kari MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet
Committee: Dr. Ian Skelton (City Planning); Jennifer Rogers MCP MCIP (Province of Manitoba)

This research examines energy poverty in the Daniel McIntyre and St. Matthews (DMSM) neighbourhoods in the city of Winnipeg. Energy poverty, defined as households spending more than 6% of their income on energy expenditures, affects as many as 50% of households in DMSM. Energy poverty can be alleviated through energy retrofits for dwellings such as weather stripping; increasing insulation in exterior walls, the attic and basement; and installing a high-efficiency furnace. The recommendations include: establishing consistent housing and energy efficiency policies; increasing the flexibility of utility on-bill financing; levying the necessary capital for energy retrofits through municipal financing mechanisms; increasing the knowledge and capacity of local residents; increasing the knowledge and capacity of local contractors for sustainable design and construction; creating a provincial strategy to increase the energy efficiency of social housing; developing low-income energy efficiency programs for rental properties; and increasing access to renewable energy sources.

Keywords: energy poverty; energy efficiency; low-income; renewable energy; sustainable housing; Winnipeg neighbourhoods

2010-2011

Albakry, Waleed MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Skelton
Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Linda Ring (City of Winnipeg, retired planner)

A better understanding of people’s attitudes to housing is fundamental to attracting new residents and retaining those who already live in or close to the central city. As such, this study operating in a Canadian context adopts Hägerstrand’s model for the process of innovation diffusion. The study draws on the findings of an online survey and interviews with city planners in both Edmonton and Winnipeg to explore the demand and supply dimensions of city-center living and attitudes towards different types of housing and neighbourhood design. The study shows that the central area in Winnipeg and Edmonton are at different stages regarding housing. Prospective home owners who are interested in housing in the central area share a number of environmental attitudes. These attitudes were related to the care for recycling, the importance for eating organic food, the use of public transportation, volunteering in non-profit organization to help the community and the interest in attending cultural activities. Based on the results of the study, it can be expected that housing types such as apartments, townhouses and even loft housing can be more common in the future and especially in Winnipeg since apartments and townhouses are already common in Edmonton.

Keywords: Housing demand; supply; prospective home owners; Winnipeg; Edmonton; central area

Baker, Christopher MCP

Advisor: Dr. Sheri Blake
Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Dr. Ian Hudson (Economics)

With the uncertainty of future energy supplies and the impacts of global warming, rapid transit is becoming increasingly important as part of the transportation mix in North American cities. The conventional choice for rapid transit alignments are off-street corridors such as rail and highway right-of-ways. More recently, cities are locating rapid transit projects along arterial street right-of-ways, to influence more transit-supportive development rather than low-density, single use environments common throughout North America. Promoting transit alignments that provide the best opportunity for this type of development, known as development-oriented transit, is essential for influencing a change in urban transportation habits and building more resilient cities. This research analyzes the benefits of these alignments by studying the Euclid Corridor Transportation Project and Red Line in Cleveland, and the Central Corridor and Hiawatha Line in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Visiting these cities and interviewing professionals associated with the projects revealed the benefits of on-street rapid transit by comparing ridership, development potential, placemaking, travel time and safety of both on-street and off-street rapid transit. On-street rapid transit provides the best opportunity for a long-term vision for city building through the creation of dense, mixed-use transit-oriented corridors where people can live, work, recreate, access services and shop. Results and potential implications were presented to professionals in Winnipeg associated with the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor (SWRTC). The goal was to understand the implications of the findings for the SWRTC and if on-street rapid transit would work along Pembina Highway. Respondents disagreed that an on-street solution was appropriate, which revealed contradictions between the findings from key informant interviews and literature reviewed versus focus group responses. The SWRTC is designed as a flexible route network system that will allow mixed traffic buses to pick up riders in their neighbourhoods and use the dedicated busway to bypass north-south traffic congestion. This plan is focused on minimizing travel time for a suburban to downtown commute, rather than development potential. This research has found that rapid transit alignments should be focused on transit supportive development and providing direct access to places people need to go on a daily basis. On-street rapid transit provides the best opportunity to do so.

Keywords: Rapid transit; development-oriented transit; transit-oriented development; transit-oriented corridor; Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor; on-street rapid transit; public transit; transit supportive development.

Ballance, Kimberly MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet
Committee: Dr. Ian Skelton (City Planning); Arie Hoogenboom (City of Dryden)

This research project acknowledged that the introduction of PS 3150 guidelines were presented to Ontario municipalities as a new, unfunded mandated responsibility which was viewed by these municipalities to be an impossible challenge within the completion timeline. This research project identifies impacts that PS 3150 guidelines will have on infrastructure planning for municipalities, with a population of less than 5000, in Northern Ontario. The PS 3150 guidelines were created by the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) to outline the general process for public sector organizations to change from a modified accrual format to full accrual accounting complete with new financial statements. Municipalities have had to better account for both financial and non-financial assets when reporting on revenues and expenditures. The evaluation of the policy mandate outlined in PS 3150 guidelines has yet to be completed, however the impacts of the guidelines can be assessed based on the development and subsequent implementation of Tangible Capital Asset policies and asset management plans by municipal governments. The findings identified four key similarities among responses from the municipal representatives. The Impacts of PS 3150 legislation are primarily related to personnel, financial, planning, and technical issues. The key recommendation arising from the completion of this research is that municipalities need to move forward, pursue complete asset management plans, in order to demonstrate in a quantitative manner the costs associated with municipal infrastructure planning.

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Keywords: Municipal Infrastructure Planning, Asset Management, Financial Planning, Northern Ontario Municipalities.

Lange, Lauren MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Skelton
Committee: Dr. Jino Distasio (City Planning); Linda Ring (Planner)

Many elderly people of Aboriginal origin find themselves displaced as they move from rural reserves into unfamiliar urban settings. The majority are forced to relocate to cities for medical purposes and fall between the cracks of an already fragile support system. Responsibility for their needs, particularly in relation to housing, is not clearly assigned to band organizations or governments. They seek shelter wherever they can. Some move in with family members or friends. Others secure units in non-profits, while several reside in single room occupancy hotels or rooming houses. In Winnipeg, and throughout Canada, specific numbers and individual circumstances of this demographic remain relatively unknown. Preliminary research indicates many are living in unhealthy and unsafe environments. This study begins to document the situations and conditions in which elderly people of Aboriginal origin are currently living. This task is achieved through a review of pertinent literature and through empirical work in the form of focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Participants include elderly Aboriginals and officials from Winnipeg and across Canada. The thesis aims to construct a body of evidence which highlights the housing needs of elderly Aboriginals. It also aims to assist the Aboriginal Senior Resource Centre (ASRC) in supporting elderly people of Aboriginal origin in Winnipeg and concludes with recommendations for policy makers, arguing for immediate implementation as well as further study.

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Keywords: Housing, Aboriginal

Lee, Ludwig MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom
Committee: Michael Dudley (City Planning); Lisa Holowchuk (Scatliff+Miller+Murray Landscape Architects and Planners)

This practicum examines methods of identifying concerns regarding public spaces and pedestrian orientation through community participation. Walking tours and focus groups were carried out to gain an understanding of existing conditions related to the comfort and safety of pedestrians in public spaces. Public participation plays a vital role in planning processes for projects focused on improving pedestrian environments. The community is a valuable source of information because its members are most familiar with conditions and what changes they would like to see in the urban environments that they inhabit. Although this research focused on a particular neighbourhood in Winnipeg, the research methods used can inform urban design practices in general and can be applied to other neighbourhoods. To address participants’ concerns about public spaces and pedestrian safety, guidelines for public spaces were prepared. These included recommendations about changes and enhancements to public spaces that could improve the experience of pedestrians.

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Keywords: Public Space, Design, Community

Long, Stephanie MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom
Committee: Dr. Ian Skelton (City Planning); Verena Menec (Centre on Aging)

Canada’s population is aging rapidly, such that by 2031 it is estimated that one quarter of Canada’s population will be aged 65 or older (Statistics Canada December 15, 2006). It is argued that urban environments are often not adequately designed for older people and can impair their ability to live independently into their elder years (Harris 2004). Proper planning can help people age successfully in their community. This research practicum assesses three town centres within the City of Surrey to determine whether they are agefriendly based on the perceptions of residents over the age of 65. Results from the research found that areas in need of improvement included public transit, the walking environment, clustering various land uses, parks amenities, and home assistance, among other things. The practicum concludes with recommendations of areas for further study.

Keywords: Age-Friendly, Older Adult, Senior, Built Form, Planning, Surrey

Mahé, Richard MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Skelton
Committee: Linda McFadyen FCIP (City Planning); Catherine Charette (WRHA)

This thesis will critically discuss the relationship between family member caregivers of someone living with mental health issues and the housing and mental health system, within the Manitoba context. In a period when mental health and housing systems face financial constraints and limited resources, creating a responsive system that focuses on the needs of the individuals it serves requires not only identifying those needs but understanding the individuals and their perspectives. The focus of this thesis will be the exploration of nine family caregivers’ views on providing supportive care to a family member living with mental health issues. Major themes from the interviews will be explored including fighting for normalcy, responding to burden and stigma, and housing and supports. The intent of this thesis is to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of family caregivers and how these needs can inform policies to provide a higher quality of life for their families.

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Keywords: City Planning, Mental Health, Housing, Caregivers

Tarulli, Robert MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom
Committee: David Linton (City Planning); John Wiens (Education)

Schools have always played an important role in modern society. They are a reflection of local values and changing educational and societal trends. The 21st century brings with it a multitude of challenges as we design schools and communities that embrace and engage learners in an era of global communication and unfettered knowledge exchange. This project explores the concept of a school-centred neighbourhood in response to these changes. Through a case study review of Grande Prairie’s Community Knowledge Campus, the study looks at the social influences of a multi-use school facility through the use of indicators of social capital, lifelong learning and learning-based community development. Interviews with school and municipal planners as well as facility users are used to explore the intended purpose of the development and to measure the effectiveness of this concept. The study concludes that multi-use school facilities have a measurable impact on the promotion of these social elements and thus contribute to the creation of a school-centred neighbourhood. Six recommendations are presented at the end of this study for use by school and municipal planners. These include: i) central locations and community linkages, ii) efficiencies and flexibility through multi-use school facilities, iii) the promotion of joint-use agreements, iv) coordinated school board capital planning and municipal land use planning, v) establishing a common planning language between schools and municipalities and vi) community planning and neighbourhood design through CKCs.

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Keywords: School Planning, Facility Planning, Master Planning, School-Centred Neighbourhoods

2009-2010

Besner, Barbara MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman
Committee: Gerald H. Couture FCIP (City Planning); Jeff Palmer MCP MCIP(CentreVenture)

This research explores culture-led regeneration; specifically, how and why small, community-based culture-led regeneration projects potentially affect their respective communities. Methodology is founded on an in-depth case study of The Edge Artist Village in Winnipeg, supported by a literature review, quantitative research examining property values, and archival research. The practicum shows that The Edge Artist Village has had a tremendous impact on the community of North Main Street. While various stakeholders interpreted The Edge‘s impact in different ways, perceptions of safety in the community have improved, and long vacant buildings in the neighbourhood are finding new tenants. This study makes recommendations as to how planners can potentially play a role in encouraging culture-led regeneration projects such as The Edge Artist Village, and suggests ways in which private developers and municipal government can collaborate more effectively to support their communities.

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Keywords: Art, Culture, Planning, Revitalization, Winnipeg, Main Street, Transitional Housing, Gentrification, Regeneration, Artist

Christopher, Gary MCP

Advisor: Dr. Jino Distasio
Committee: Dr. David van Vliet (City Planning); Stephen T. Parrott (Manager of Recreation Services, Culture, and Heritage (Town of Churchill)

Increasing criticism by a number of professional fields, including planning, indicates that there is a decline in public health because of poor urban planning practices cannot be ignored. This research examines to what extent urban planning has contributed to the current health level of citizens, and explores how development policies address the criticism that urban planners are encouraging developments with limited opportunities that promote an inactive lifestyle. The findings show policy tools currently available for planners in Winnipeg to use are inadequate to ensure that all new developments conform to the healthy communities philosophy, and despite the limited guidance from planning legislation, the community of Seven Oaks has succeeded in implementing several healthy community initiatives. These initiatives are successful because of partnerships created between agencies, communication with the public, and most importantly, the passion by the stakeholders to develop healthier living opportunities within their community…

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Keywords: Urban Planning, Healthy Communities, Holistic Planning, Lifestyle Diseases, Sprawl, Public Health

Kliewer, Karin MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman
Committee: Michael Dudley MCP (City Planning); Alec Stuart MCP (Manitoba Hydro)

Bike to the Future is an Active Transportation advocacy organization in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Since its incorporation in 2007, active transportation attitudes, policies, funding, and infrastructure have improved substantially in the city. Many successes have been attributed to this organization, representatives of which are now considered to be the Winnipeg experts in cycling infrastructure and policy creation. This thesis explores how people who use (or want to use) a comparatively marginalized traffic form empowered themselves and spurred on positive changes to cycling policy and infrastructure. The literature review offers a larger context for the importance of power analysis, collaborative planning and the work of Bike to the Future. This provides a framework overview of power discussions in planning discourse, and connects heterarchical power structures to collaborative planning theory and strategic networking. Research for this project involved a case study of the work of Bike to the Future. Four different research methods were employed during different stages of research, including media and literature searches (of news sources, blogs, and planning literature), a case study, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation. The work of Bike to the Future has also shown that influence can be strengthened when different power resources—powers of knowledge, speech, place, and political and market powers – are used. The value of using different power structures, hierarchical and heterarchical, is highlighted. In order to be most effective, this study suggests all structures and resources must be used cooperatively and collaboratively. Because of its ability to engage wide audiences, recognize interdependence, and connect the different types of knowledge and expertise, Bike to the Future can be understood as a collaborative success. Although at the time of this study, this organization was susceptible to volunteer schedules and burnout, its networking potential and networking power was strong. These will continue to be major assets in the evolution of this organization evolution. Lessons learned from this research process may be useful for many other groups seeking to expand their influence in decision-making realms and on multiple fronts.

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Keywords: City Planning, Social Networking, Collaboration, Community Groups, Advocacy, Active Transportation, Power Analysis, Power Dynamics, Cycling, Non-Profit Organizations

Pearce, Tom MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet
Committee: James Platt MCP MCIP (City Planning); Todd Litman (Victoria Transport Policy Institute)

This thesis examines transportation planning at the University of Manitoba Fort Garry campus with the view to improving efficiency, equity and reducing economic loss. Through a broad approach of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) a number of avenues are explored including a comprehensive literature review of sustainable transportation planning; the documentation of selected university TDM programs including University of Colorado, University of British-Columbia and the University of Ottawa; a University of Manitoba commuter web survey, and key informant interviews. Cost-benefit analysis, geographical information systems and key informants interviews are used. Twelve key recommendations are outlined in the concluding chapter. The research suggests optimal solutions can be reached if there is strong leadership from the University of Manitoba central administration in Transportation Demand Management (TDM) including a more collaborative approach to transportation and land use planning, as well as working closely with its stakeholders in reforming current practices. A series of incremental changes can give higher priority to walking, cycling, transit, and car pooling ahead of those driving alone resulting in a more equitable and efficient transportation system and leading to a healthier population and a healthier environment for the University of Manitoba community. The author can be contacted by email at tompearce@hotmail.com

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Keywords: Transportation Demand Management, University of Manitoba, Transportation, Geographic Information Systems, Winnipeg, Campus

Raddatz, Rebecca MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom
Committee: Dr. Ian Skelton (City Planning); Verena Menec (Community Health Sciences)

North American populations are aging, yet the issues and challenges faced by older adults remain largely unaccounted for in planning processes. This research examines this invisibility in the specific case of Winnipeg, MB and through University of Manitoba’s Centre on Aging Age-Friendly Communities Community University Research Alliance (CURA) that builds on the World Health Organization (WHO 2006) notion of age-friendly cities. The research will first document the relationship between aging issues, age-friendly cities and planning through a review of planning and aging-related literature. The second aspect of the research is focus groups interviews with community partners in the Age-Friendly Communities CURA, and semi-structured interviews with municipal planners. Recommendations developed outline how organizations working towards a more age-friendly city can more effectively engage with planning processes, particularly during the review of Winnipeg’s official plan.

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Keywords: Aging, Age-Friendly, Planning, Participation

Ross, Andrew MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom
Committee: Dr. Tom Carter (City Planning); Kelley Beaverford (Interior Design)

In recent years, Winnipeg’s ethnocultural profile has been diversifying due to historic levels of international immigration, especially from Asian, Middle Eastern and African places of origin. In spite of these changes, little is known about the ways in which the City's planning processes are addressing the needs of people living the experience of being new to the city, or how the needs and preferences of these emerging ethnic groups are affected by planning decisions. This research examines the City's response to ethnocultural difference by analyzing municipal planning policy, and by conducting focus groups with City of Winnipeg planners and with key informants from organizations that serve newcomers. This research explores what Winnipeg’s Planning and Land Use Division, and organizations that serve newcomers, each hope to accomplish with respect to planning for ethnocultural difference, compiles their aims and methods with those suggested in the literature, and develops recommendations for change.

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Keywords: Ethnoculture, Culture, Planning, Immigrant, Difference, Diversity, Environment, Winnipeg

Walsh, Katy, MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet
Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Allison Cook

Many academics, activists and agrarians suggest that farmers’ markets contribute to community economic development, urban revitalization and regeneration, and socio-cultural change. However, very few studies have analyzed the role markets play in reframing the relationship between urban inhabitants and their rural counterparts, and the impact that this has on environmental sustainability. This thesis explores farmers’ markets as venues for introducing an urban ecology worldview to urban inhabitants. An action research approach using qualitative methods examine a case study of a new urban farmers’ market, The Village Market, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Methods of inquiry included: literature research; two vendor and consumer focus groups; and eight semi-structured interviews with individuals involved with the market. The thesis shows that urban ecology is a theoretical perspective that helps place urban citizens directly within their locality through the introduction of ecological principles within their day-to-day lives. Secondly, urban markets were found to be an excellent opportunity to present urban ecology into cities, as they are tangible points of contact in a local food system. A farmer’s market can help challenge the notions of ‘agriculture and ‘rural’ by connecting a producer and a consumer. This assists in changing the way urban consumers view their local and regional environment. Mutual knowledge and cultural exchange around food also helps teach the diversity and seasonality of local food varieties and of the social and environmental resources required to produce food. Markets can also play a pivotal role in changing the physical space of its host site with relatively few resources; The Village Market has been successful in reclaiming a contested and poorly perceived public space. Planners can play a focal role in planning cities around the basic necessity of life, food, at the fine-grained and citywide level. Opportunities include securing accessible and safe public spaces, providing the necessary infrastructure and public transportation for markets, recognizing farmers’ markets as a unique entity within bylaws, permits and the municipal fee system, providing citizens with the opportunity to directly contribute to long-term sustainability of their neighbourhood and region, and capitalizing on the inherent qualities of a city’s existing spaces.

Keywords: active transportation; car-free; culture; discourse; promote; reality,' sustainable transportation; transit; Winnipeg

Warren, Richard MCP

This practicum defines city planning, and lists the multiple areas and sub-areas within planning. Some city planning work is shown. The aim of the practicum is to argue that planners should give greater attention to the impacts of their activities on land values, and suggestions for how to do this are offered. The current way of dealing with market value change is presented. The discussion with involved public is explained as is the answering of questions, regarding the changes to components of residential property value, at public meetings. Examples of minimizing or correcting the market value changes to those on the plan are given. All projects undertaken change market values. The market value change is different based on the planning area and the type of work. Examples of city planning work affecting the components of residential market value (both estimated and actual) are provided. A literature review of th e Plan Conoda magazine, searching for articles on these topics, follows. Results are included as an appendix. This practicum examines the information regarding market value that planners must know, and the current methods of analysis. One of these methods is the neighbourhood analysis. Neighbourhoods or regions requiring changes are discussed and a conclusion is made based on the neighbourhood analysis which is a fundamental portion of the market analysis. Discussion of expert or legally adequate property value estimators is made and competition in that area is noted.

Wiseman, Kaeley MCP

Advisor: Dr. David van Vliet
Committee: Dr. Shirley Thompson (Natural Resource Institute); Ian Mauro (University of Victoria)

Keywords: Food, Market, Urban, Ecology, Planning, Winnipeg

2008-2009

Brown, Quincy MCP

Advisor: Dr. Sheri Blake
Committee: Dr. Sonia Bookman (Sociology); Rodney McDonald (Manitoba Hydro)

This practicum examines the challenges encountered during the development process of slow growth cities. Specific consideration is given to the social realm and the challenges of encouraging socially sustainable development within the slow growth context. A comparative approach to the research was taken. Two case studies were examined. The first study examined the development process of the City of Vancouver. Specific consideration was given to the policies, processes and techniques used in Vancouver to encourage social sustainability. The second study examined the City of Winnipeg. The City of Winnipeg was the focus of the practicum. Lessons from the City of Vancouver were extracted and compared to the City of Winnipeg experience. The end result was a series of recommendations of how the City of Winnipeg could more successfully encourage social sustainability through development.

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Keywords: Social Sustainability, Slow Growth, Development, Urban Growth

Cooper, Sarah MCP

Advisor: Dr. Ian Skelton
Committee: Dr. Richard Milgrom (City Planning); Dr. Adele Perry (History)

This thesis explores the relationship between colonialism and planning in a contemporary urban context in Canada. This project is important because colonialism continues to have impacts on the way that cities and city spaces are constructed. Using The Forks, Winnipeg, as an example, it reviews planning documents using a critical, postcolonial, interpretive and reflexive textual analysis. The intent is to gain more understanding of the ways in which colonialism is implicated in contemporary planning practices in settler societies. The analysis shows three main themes: the identity of The Forks is created in opposition to that of the downtown; heritage at The Forks is presented in ways that ignore colonialism and its past and present impacts on the city; and decision-making at The Forks does not reflect Indigenous priorities. The thesis concludes with some implications for planning practice.

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Keywords: Planning, Urban Planning, Winnipeg, The Forks, Colonialism

Glavin, Matt MCP

Advisor: Dr. Richard Milgrom
Committee: James Platt MCP MCIP (City Planning); Lloyd Talbott (Selkirk and District Planning Area Board)

In certain rural areas of Manitoba, the character of the rural residential population has changed. People have built or bought houses around land that had been previously used exclusively for agriculture. These rural residents have invested in their property and are very sensitive to any activity that may interfere with their “rural lifestyle” or affect the value of their property. In the past, livestock production, in particular hog production was generally one component of mixed farming operation. Livestock production in Manitoba has undergone significant changes in recent years, both in size of operation and production method. It has now become a specialized industry where operations have become much larger and more capital intensive than farms of thirty years ago. These factors have resulted in situations where land use conflicts have and continue to occur. Typically, regulatory zoning, in conjunction with manual review of land cover overlay and topographic maps have been used to select sites for livestock operations. This approach can be time consuming and expensive. An alternative approach is the development of a geographic information system (GIS) to define optimal locations for livestock operations and non-farm rural residents. The use of such a model has the capability to reduce the number of rural land use conflicts. This study starts by documenting the significant changes in recent years of rural residential development and the size as well as the production method of hog operations in Manitoba. It then draws on a series of interviews to gain insight into the complex land use conflicts within the study area and to inform the creation of a geographic information system (GIS) model. This practicum explores “smart” land use analysis using a combination of GIS and Land Use Conflict Identification Strategy (LUCIS) modeling to represent the spatial consequences of land use decisions. This research has resulted in the development of a GIS model to be used as a decision support tool in developing policy surrounding future development and land use; including appropriate locations of any new or expanding livestock operations and rural non-farm residents within the Rural Municipality (RM) of St. Andrews, MB.

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Keywords: Land Use Conflict, GIS

Lee, Justin MCP

Advisor: Dr. Rae Bridgman
Committee: Gerald Couture FCIP (City Planning); Dr. Susan Close (Interior Design)

The creative class, creative economy and creative cities are all heralds of current North American planning directions. My research seeks to understand how the Art Factory, a multi-tenant and multi-purpose artist space, contributes to the lives of artists and the general creative potential of a city. This research is a case study of cre8ery, an art factory located in Winnipeg’s Exchange District, the gentrifying cultural quarter of the city. I interviewed ten artists, exploring how cre8ery affected their social, professional and economic lives. cre8ery serves as a gateway into the art world for emerging artists by providing stability and opportunities to them. In general, Art Factories are centres of cultural entrepreneurship, an activity essential to the health of artists and the city. I also explore the shift of the artist populations in Winnipeg due to gentrification, offering several policy initiatives that would either stem or support this shift.

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Keywords: Cultural Production, Winnipeg, Art Factories, Exchange District, Artists, Arts Policy, Planning, Gentrification, Clusters, Art, Studio, Cultural Entrepreneurship, Emerging Artists, Cultural Planning

Miller, Janice MCP

Advisor: Dr. Sheri Blake
Committee: Michael McCandless (City Planning); Kathleen Matheos (Extended Education)

This research project is primarily a case study about planning practice and its affect on peacebuilding activities in Belfast and Jerusalem. The primary method of data collection is semi-structured interviews with planners, policymakers, and community leaders involved in peacebuilding activities in the study cities. The primary data collection is triangulated with a literature review and a number of supplementary planning documents, books, and videos on the subject matter. The data has been analyzed using the lens of fundamental human needs, as laid out by Max-Neef, who sees all human needs as equally important rather than hierarchical as some human need theories are. Both Belfast and Jerusalem have centralized planning systems based on the British Town Planning model. Planning in both cities is frequently viewed as a contentious issue, most especially around housing issues. In both cities, one population group is characterized as “bursting” at the seams in terms of housing need, while the other population group feels endangered. Security issues are critical in both cities resulting in the building of security barriers, which ultimately change patterns of free movement in the city and affect the imagined city of both sides of the conflict. The barriers affect the ability to meet other fundamental human needs as well, such as the need for participation and understanding. Despite the clear problems in these cities, there are some indications of success as well. Northern Ireland ran a hugely successful public consultation on the direction the citizens want the government to go in. The resounding answer was for a shared future and some planners and urban leaders have taken this to heart and are working hard to build and define shared spaces in the urban fabric. This work is happening at all levels of the community and several excellent projects have been a positive result of cross-community work aimed at building understanding. In Jerusalem several organizations and various planners are working on similar goals to empower the disadvantaged Palestinian community and instill more justice in the planning system.

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Keywords: Planning, Contested Cities, Peace-building, Max-Neef human needs, Belfast, Jerusalem, Fundamental Human Needs, Imagined Cities, Planning for Peace, Shared Space, Conflict Cycle, Planning Justice, Justice, Equity Planning, Resolver Planning, Collaborative Planning, Just Cities

Ross, Natasha MCP

Advisor: Dr. David Witty

The different ways in which women and men interact with the built environment bring to light the inequalities that currently exist between the two, and the need to address this disparity through inclusive consultations and urban planning that better reflects the needs of women. The purpose of this study is to assess whether a gender focused housing model called Frauen-Werk-Stadt (FWS), has been successful in its attempt to address spatial inequalities in the built environment, through urban planning and design, and whether this has had an impact on resident's perceptions of well-being. Eight resident women were interviewed for the project. This study will further explore how aligning urban planning more strongly with the interests of women, particularly single mothers, affects the outcome of how this community is impacted by the built environment in their perceptions of well-being.

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