CITY101

Planning for Non-Planners: What You Need to Know about Community Planning

This course is an introduction to the practice of urban planning and how to build more sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive communities and physical environments.

You will learn about the matters, purpose and practice of urban planning in Canada, British Columbia, and the Metro Vancouver region. This course offers a special focus on planning and development issues in the region, and the planners’ role in building cities. We will explore the interrelationships between the physical, environmental, economic, social, and built considerations in planning at the site, neighbourhood, city, and regional scales.

The course will include defining urban planning and planning theory and history, explaining why we need to plan the physical environment. It outlines the role of participants, stakeholders, and decision-makers in the planning and development processes. This will include a review of the regulatory hierarchies, and the application of land use tools, including: plans, policies, bylaws, development permitting, and other approvals.

Overview

Location: Online
Duration: 4 evenings
Tuition: $367.50

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Upcoming Offerings

Start Date
Schedule
Location
Instructor
Cost
Seats Available
Action
Start DateWed, Jan 22, 2025
Schedule
  • Wed, Jan 22, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
  • Wed, Jan 29, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
  • Wed, Feb 5, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
  • Wed, Feb 12, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
LocationOnline
InstructorNeal LaMontagne
Cost$367.50
Seats Available34
ActionRegister

What you will learn

After completing this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • Describe key theories and issues concerning urban planning and development that have shaped contemporary cities and regions in Canada
  • Describe key objectives of the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy and other region-wide initiatives
  • Explain the basic process and structure of urban plans and policies in municipalities
  • Identify the tools planners can use to influence development of communities

How you will learn and be evaluated

  • Expect instructor-led presentations and class discussions
  • Prepare to discuss, debate and formulate your own opinions

You will be evaluated on:

  • Assignments

Who should take this course?

This introductory course is for both professionals and engaged citizens with an interest in learning about the field of community planning in Metro Vancouver. 

Learning Materials

No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.

Technical Requirements

For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning.

Professional Development Credits

AIBC CES participants, PIBC members and BCSLA members may self-report for continuing education learning unit consideration.