Planning in Practice Event Recap

On February 05, 2026, the first year studio of the South Bond Building was filled with the next generation of urban planners for a deep dive into the "real world" of planning. Co-hosted by SURPA and MPGSA, the Planning in Practice workshop was designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and the fast-paced reality of the professional practice.

Full house of Professional Planners, and Students in the SBB First Year Studio Classroom on TMU Campus.

The evening wasn’t just about listening. It was about doing.

From navigating the complexities of the Planning Act to mastering the art of the "soft skill," here is what we learned:

1. Navigating the Ontario Planning Framework

One of the most valuable segments of the workshop was the technical deep dive into Ontario's legislative landscape. Facilitators walked emerging planners through the bread and butter of the profession:

• The Planning Act & Applications: We broke down the differences between Official Plan Amendments (OPA), Rezoning, and Site Plan Control.

• Recent Legislative Shifts: A major focus was placed on Bill 23 and Bill 185, discussing how these changes have altered municipal authority, shifted decision-making timelines, and removed certain Site Plan requirements for smaller residential projects.

• The Timeline Crunch: Understanding that "time is money" in development, we reviewed the new approval windows (ranging from 60 to 120 days depending on the application) and the implications of missing these deadlines.

2. The Power of "Soft" Skills

While technical knowledge gets you in the door, the workshop emphasized that communication and negotiation keep you at the table.

• Navigating Challenging Conversations: Planners often find themselves between a rock and a hard place (or a developer and a community group). We practiced strategies for moving discussions from "entrenched positions" to "shared interests."

• Professional Ethics: Guided by the OPPI Code of Practice, we worked through real world ethical dilemmas, discussing how to uphold the public interest while remaining professional under pressure.

Engaged Planners and Students

3. Hands-On Learning: The Scenarios

The highlight for many was the collaborative breakout sessions. Students and alumni worked together on real world planning scenarios based on local sites:

• Toronto (Dundas St E): Navigating high-density urban infill.

• Clarington & Pickering: Discussing greenfield development and the nuances of suburban growth.

• Oshawa: Balancing heritage and intensification.

These sessions allowed students to apply their knowledge of the Planning Act to tangible sites, receiving immediate feedback from seasoned alumni facilitators.

4. Networking and Mentorship

The event wrapped up with a networking social (fueled by some much-needed shawarma and dessert!). This was a chance for students to pick the brains of the SURPA Alumni Facilitator Team, including Senior Planners, Policy Planners, and Community Planning Managers.

A wide selection of yummy desserts

Line for the Buffet!

The message from our alumni was clear: The planning community is small, supportive, and always evolving. Stay curious, stay ethical, and never stop learning.

A Huge Thank You To our guest facilitators, the SURPA executive team, and all the MPGSA members who made this event a success. Your commitment to the future of our profession is what makes this community so strong!

Did you miss the workshop? Stay tuned for our next session in the Technical Skills series How to Get Your RPP on March 12, 2026!