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This joint webinar hosted by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) featuring the Black Planners & Urbanists Association (BPUA) will explore how equity and anti-racism informed planning practices can strengthen planning outcomes, institutions, and the planning profession, across Canada. Drawing on the lived experiences, leadership, and community planning being undertaken by Black Planning professionals, the session will examine how systemic barriers shape planning processes and outcomes, and how planners can actively work to dismantle them.

The session will provide insight about BPUA’s work and initiatives and share how to join and participate in the Association. The session will also highlight opportunities for professional and institutional change, emphasizing collaboration, ethical responsibility, and leadership within planning organizations.

Designed for planners across public, private, and non-profit sectors, this webinar will support participants in translating equity commitments into concrete actions that advance justice, inclusion, and excellence in the Canadian planning practice.

 Key Takeaways:

1. Apply equity and anti-racism informed planning frameworks, grounded in Black planners’ lived experience and practice, to assess and improve planning policies, programs, and decision-making processes in Canadian contexts.
   (CIP competency alignment: Professional Practice; Planning Theory & Methods)
2. Evaluate systemic barriers affecting Black communities and Black planning professionals, and identify concrete planning tools, policy interventions, and engagement strategies that advance equitable and inclusive planning outcomes.
   (CIP competency alignment: Community Engagement; Policy & Governance)
3. Develop actionable strategies for professional and institutional change, including collaboration with Black planners and organizations, to strengthen leadership, accountability, and equity within planning workplaces and the planning profession.
   (CIP competency alignment: Leadership; Ethics & Professional Responsibility)

Speakers:

Abigail Moriah RPP, MCIP, Executive Director / Founder, Black Planning Project

Abigail Moriah, Founder of Black Planning Project, is a connector, facilitator and planner specializing in affordable housing, equity in development and Black Planning. Abigail is a founding member of the mentorship initiative MIIPOC (2019) and the Black Planners and Urbanists Association (2020).

Dr. Marie Cecile Kotyk, Assistant Professor and Design Justice Research Chair, University of Calgary

Dr. Kotyk is an Assistant Professor and Design Justice Research Chair at the U of C. A social planner with 15+ years’ experience, she founded the UDesign Justice Initiative and Canada’s first Black Housing Equity Framework, advising governments and communities on equitable, community-led planning.

Michael Cook LLB, JD, Partner, Davies Howe LLP

Michael is a partner at Davies Howe LLP practicing land use planning and development law. Michael has also taught planning law at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law and is a member of the board of directors of the Black Planners and Urbanists Association.

Sara Abdella Associate - Land & Infrastructure Development, StrategyCorp

Sara has a strong passion for urban design, community engagement, and affordable housing. She holds a Master of Science in Planning from the University of Toronto.

Moderator:

Bryan Sherwood

Bryan has a master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Toronto and a specialization in community engagement, he also has 15 years of active residential development and planning experience. Bryan started his career in the public sector and currently works for Tridel.