KEY ISSUES

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

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

• Online submission site opens: Friday, January 22, 2021
• Submission site closes: Friday, February 26, 2021 at midnight
• Notification of proposal status: April 2021

All Conference proposals will be peer reviewed, and each reviewer will assess proposals against a previously established criterion. Click here to view the criteria.

All other proposals will be reviewed by OPPI’s Planning Knowledge Exchange Committee and considered based on identified needs of membership.

Please note: content that is intended to solicit business or sell products/services will not be considered.

Review Process

• All submissions will be peer reviewed.
• The Committee that reviews submissions may determine that a proposal could or should be presented in a format other than that proposed. The submitter will be consulted in this circumstance.
• The main contact person listed on the proposal will be contacted via email with a final decision.
• The decision of the Review Committee on the inclusion or rejection of a proposal, and the presentation format, is final.
• Reviewer comments will not be supplied to those who have submitted proposals, nor will the Review Committee respond to requests for comment regarding rejection of any proposal.