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November 2007 |
| In This Issue... | |
Since we’re all right in the thick of school with deadlines, midterms and projects let this issue of Plan2Plan be a quick break! In this issue: highlights from my visit to Montréal, affiliate conferences, lots of news from schools, YouTube videos and more links. November 8 is World Town Planning Day, and is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of our profession by holding an event to raise public awareness, discuss issues, network or benefit a local charity. This year’s theme is ‘Responding to Changing Climates’. World Town Planning Day (WTPD) was started in 1949 by Argentinean Professor Carlos Maria della Paolera of the University of Buenos Aires. 2007 marks the 58th anniversary of the first WTPD. Interestingly, the Royal Town Planning Institute reports that the day was kept in existence by Turkey celebrating it for 20 years after the founder’s death. It reveals that WTPD started up again in 1995 by the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISoCARP), who have promoted it ever since.1 Worldwide WTPD is celebrated in 30 countries on four continents. In the United States the American Planning Association makes a month out of it through ‘National Community Planning Month’ held in October. In the second year of this practice their sub themes are: ‘Great Streets, Great Neighborhoods, Greening Streets and Neighborhoods and People Making Great Streets and Great Neighborhoods’. The sub-themes were chosen since they are the three building blocks of great communities. Check out their web page. In the United Kingdom, the Royal Town Planning Institute has local activities from recognition of work, to lectures and networking events, similar to how WTPD is celebrated in Canada. I look forward to hearing about your WTPD events! Here’s an update from the last Council Meeting. Council approved in principle the draft CAPS-CIP agreement which will allow further negotiations between CIP and CAPS to finalize the details of the agreement. Also the CIP passed a motion to start implementing Environment Canada’s 2005 Green Meeting Guide and 2007 version where appropriate. The 2005 version is more comprehensive including environmental responsible measures for large events like conferences. On a related note I look forward to attending the upcoming Climate Change Policy Development session November 17th & 18th. Please feel free to send me any ideas you might have for the session. All the best, Amie L. Baker |
