CITY105
Regional Planning Fundamentals
Problems in urban sustainability, housing, transportation, land use, farmland security and infrastructure often go beyond the boundaries of a single municipality. Solving these problems requires an approach that brings various municipalities in a region together through shared strategies and action. Learning the “what”, “how”, and “why” of regional planning creates a powerful perspective on trying to solve some of the biggest urban problems facing cities and regions today.
This course will benefit anyone who wishes to learn how to solve common urban problems through mutual cooperation and negotiation. You will be introduced to the purpose, theory and practice of regional planning and how it applies to many current problems faced by cities. From viewing urban problems through a “regional lens” to learning about basic tools like regional population and employment forecasts, this course surveys how shared problems can be solved by municipalities working together.
The course will include a discussion of contemporary debates on urban and regional issues. Some key topics include: the tension between local and regional planning, industrial land protection, farmland security, environmental protection, regional housing markets, the effectiveness of regional planning and its limitations, and the relationship between regional land use and transportation planning. The emphasis will be on regional district planning in BC, with a focus on Metro Vancouver, but examples of best practices and case studies will be highlighted from around the world.
Overview
Location: Online
Duration: 3 evenings
Tuition: $367.50
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Upcoming Offerings
- Tue, Nov 26, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Tue, Dec 3, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Tue, Dec 10, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
What you will learn
After completing this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Describe the key legislative elements for regional planning in British Columbia and how local municipal plans need to comply with regional plans
- Apply a “regional lens” to urban issues and evaluate which issues are best solved at the regional scale
- Identify the legislation, tools and methods used in regional planning
- Explain how citizens can get engaged in regional issues
- Use local and global case studies to gain insights on the effectiveness of regional plan implementation
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:
- 2-page discussion paper
Who should take this course?
This introductory course is for both professionals and engaged citizens with an interest in learning more about the field of regional planning.
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.