Awards for planning excellence recipients

Cip-icu.ca
July 9, 2020

The Canadian Institute of Planners' annual Awards for Planning Excellence honour planning projects judged on their excellence, innovation, impact on the profession, implementation potential and overall presentation.

All of these projects are deserving of recognition for their excellence in planning work, their contribution to the profession and for showing particular strength in the category under which they won their award. Currently, there are thirteen categories for these awards, each accepting submissions which are then judged by the Awards committee and awarded at the annual conference.

URBAN DESIGN

Award for Planning Excellence
2020
Project Name: City-Wide Urban Design Guidelines
Company: Brook Mcllroy Inc.
The City of Vaughan City-Wide Urban Design Guidelines is a comprehensive document that promoted liveability within the city. It also ensured that intensification supported compelling, green, mixed-use communities, active transportation, social and cultural vibrancy, and high quality of life.

The jury was particularly impressed by the Guidelines' comprehensive and clear presentation of technical design directions and performance standards using language and illustrations that were engaging and accessible to a wide audience. The jury was also pleased by the approach to accessibility and sustainability by enhancing the City's natural heritage network through the "Green Vaughan Approach" that considered spaces in front of and between buildings to contribute to a more vibrant landscape. The Guidelines also considered missing development forms, such as mid-rise buildings for infill and redevelopment, to accommodate growth in the City in a sustainable way.

The City of Vaughan City-Wide Urban Design Guidelines is an excellent example of how technical guidelines can reach a broad audience and enable the successful implementation of sustainable planning policies by city staff and the development community.