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This webinar will explore how planning approval processes can evolve to better support housing delivery in Canadian communities.

Expanding on concepts introduced in CIP's course “Streamlining the Planning Approvals Process,” the session will bring together perspectives from municipal planning, housing development, and approvals process design to examine both persistent challenges and emerging opportunities. Through a facilitated discussion, speakers will reflect on lessons from practice, explore what helps or hinders housing delivery, and consider how planners can foster greater coordination, predictability, and efficiency throughout the approvals process.

Participants will be encouraged to think beyond individual applications and consider broader questions about collaboration, innovation, and the future of development approvals. The session is intended to complement the course by connecting foundational concepts with practical experience and real-world examples. The webinar is open to both participants who have completed the course and those with an interest or professional familiarity with housing and development approvals. Attendees can also engage with speakers and continue the conversation through CIP's Housing Community of Practice.

During this webinar, participants will:

• Explain the planner’s role at each stage of the planning approvals process – for both an applicant team, and a local government planning dept.
• Describe common challenges associated with each stage of the planning approvals process
• Critically evaluate the approvals process in your planning context
• Identify best practices to streamline the approvals process in your planning context
• Discuss resources and examples of excellence in approvals

Speakers:

Michael von Hausen RPP, FCIP

Michael was previously part of CIP’s National Policy Working Group for Housing and Healthy Communities. An adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University and Universtiy of Fraser Valley, Michael has been the president of MVH Urban Planning and Design Inc. for 25 years, and developed and facilitated 4 courses for the School of Development at the Urban Development Institute in Vancouver. He has completed over 400 projects worldwide and received more than 30 local, national and international awards in 25 years. Michael has also published 5 books, ranging from urban design to real estate development, and is also a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a Fellow of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects.

Mark Holland RPP, FCIP

Mark Holland is a planner and worked half my career in planning and the other half in real estate development. As a professor at Vancouver Island University's planning school, Maek teaches professional practice, including housing policy and finance, development, policy analysis and much more. Mark also created, chairs, teaches in the very successful Urban Development Institute Real Estate Development Managers Certificate program. He has been a city planner in Vancouver, a founder of several successful consulting firms, and a VP of development for development companies.

Ryan Smith RPP, MCIP

Ryan Smith is the Divisional Director of Planning and Development Services for the City of Kelowna, a role in which he has served since April 2019. He has worked for the City for over 23 years in various planning roles and is an advocate for using technology and AI to address housing challenges. Ryan is a passionate teacher and mentor as evidenced by many years spent training planners and Subdivision Approving Officers in British Columbia through the Local Government Management Association and Capilano University.