The course focuses on contemporary planning problems before the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) and other tribunals. Students analyse and synthesize the various planning perspectives involved in real cases. Students explore the issues of presenting a case, or appearing as a witness, before the Board through observation and participation in a moot OMB hearing presided over by a member of the OMB. (Note: See current course outline for material costs)
An examination of planning issues related to the design, economics and financing of private land and building construction projects including residential high-rise condominium, low-rise residential subdivision, infill, intensification and brownfield redevelopment and industrial/commerial land development. The course focuses on developer decision-making, analysis of risk, sources of financing, planning, environmental and engineering aspects of land development.
PLAN 611Industrial Location Theory and Concepts0.50 units
Examination of industrial location theory, and themes concerning the role of manufacturing in the space-economy. Factors of location will be considered as will the way that manufacturing has led to spatial disparity on international, regional and local levels.
PLAN 613Regional Development Principles and Practice0.50 units
This course will review the principles underlying regional development theory and evaluate the application of these principles in policy and practice. The purpose of this course is to explore regional development options in the context of fiscal conservatism and intense international competition for investments.
Canadian housing policies and programs, particularly with regard to the housing of low and moderate income families. Economic, political, physical and social considerations underlying these policies. Study of the housing problems and programs of the United States and developing countries. (Note: Field trip fee may be charged based on location. See current course outline for field trip cost details).
Community Economic Development is a field of theory, process and practice that is concerned with understanding the forces shaping communities and finding sustainable local solutions to economic needs. This seminar course will examine topics such as capacity-building, asset-based strategies, social capital, poverty-alleviation, social enterprises and co-operatives, and comprehensive community initiatives, using international and local examples and case studies.
Theory and application of multivariate statistics, regression and correlation analysis, factor analysis, discriminant analysis and grouping analysis, with emphasis on the use of the computer. *eligible for MES.
PLAN 619Regional Planning Economic and Investment Analysis0.50 units
Critical appraisal of regional economic analysis, projection and decision-making techniques. Problem based study of methods commonly used by regional planners, economic developers, and consultants. Identification of leverage sectors, trend analysis, investment decision-making and input/output analysis are discussed. New analysis applications and approaches are explored.
PLAN 621Metropolitan Form and Structure in Canada0.50 units
A seminar on selected topics of particular relevance to understanding and planning for contemporary processes of metropolitan change in Canada. Major topics represent an interrelated set of exogenous forces, (globalization, economic restructuring, technological innovation and immigration and demographic shift), and endogenous structural responses, (central city decline, revitalization, dispersed styles of suburban development and new urbanist and ecologically sustainable styles of planned intervention).
PLAN 622Contemporary Urban Planning and Governance0.50 units
The distinct circumstances of the central business district, the inner city, the inner suburb and the outer suburb are explored in the context of political and economic factors that influence urban planning processes and outcomes. Urban governance, land market dynamics, and urban planning instruments are discussed.
Examination of planners in their environment using a variety of theories including those related to systems, organization, social change and planning. What planners do, where they do it and why they should be concerned with social concepts. Social concepts will be examined within a framework of social structures, looking at case studies and coming to some practical conclusions on how planners can and should use social concepts to enhance their efforts.
PLAN 625Methods of Social Investigation for Planners0.50 units
Selected research approaches and methods used in planning research and practice including, for example, survey research, field research, participatory research; methods using existing data; needs assessment research. The purposes of social inquiry, the development of theories, the use of research in policy-making, and the ethical issues associated with social research provide the context for discussing the details of research methods. A course for those with some research skills and wishing to pursue planning-related methods.
A seminar in Planning Law using the case study approach. Although the emphasis is primarily on the law in Ontario, reference is made to planning law in other provinces for purposes of comparison. Planning issues dealt with by the Ontario Municipal Board are used to illustrate the power to regulate the use of land, the law relating to citizen participation, problems of non-conforming uses, and the maintenance of environmental quality in neighbourhoods and communities. Some general familiarity with law is desirable, but not essential. Estimated additional cost to student: $40.00
PLAN 639Health, Environment and Planning0.50 units
A seminar course on the environment sources and causes of disease and illness, the concepts of health, e.g., medical, scientific, economic, political, etc., the health services and facilities and related technologies and the role and responsibilities of (urban and regional) planners in the creation of a more healthful environment. (Note: Estimated additional cost to student: $20.00) *eligible for MES.
The role of cultural heritage in the community context is examined. Varying forms of heritage preservation, its function and organization are covered. (Note: See current course outline for field trip cost details).
A design studio and seminar that focuses on design planning for individual sites and small scale developments. An introduction to physical planning approaches: tools, methods and techniques. Seminars examine how physical design relates to urban planning including site and building survey and analysis, built and natural environment survey and analysis, design interpretation of planning and other regulations, visual analysis, costing, choice of design alternatives, urban plans, etc. Development of graphic skills in analysis and presentation is included. (Studio meets with PLAN 309 and students complete special projects in land and redevelopment. Field trip fee may be charged based on location. See current course outline for field trip and additional material costs).
A design studio on planning design at the community scale that is sensitive to the natural, built, and cultural context. Field study projects of area development or redevelopment projects are used to examine traditional and contemporary theory and practice. Studio seminars, presentations and critiques explore the definition, management and mapping of physical structures, visual and environmental resources. Included is consideration of the special problems of planning development within a scenic landscape. (Note: Field trip fee may be charged based on location. See current course outline for field trip cost details).
PLAN 648Urban Design Philosophy and Methodology0.50 units
An exploration of current theories on urban design and its applications under a variety of situations. This involves study of the approaches to urban design that lead to improved quality of life through integrating living and working, economy, culture and heritage and addresses issues of transportation, energy conservation, and environmental sustainability. International viewpoints and case studies are considered. May involve study field trips to major urban centres. (Note: See current course outline for field trip cost details.)
This seminar course provides an introduction to methods of analyzing current environmental policy problems. Students will learn a step-by-step process of prescriptive activities used to aid decision making about natural resources. If held in conjunction with Plan 452, the graduate student requirement will be equivalent to the stand-alone graduate course.
PLAN 654Spatial Information Technology, Globalization and International Development0.50 units
This course considers the role of GIS and RS technologies for problem solving and planning decision support in developing countries. Topics covered include the globalisation of information technology and its transfer from developed to developing countries and general aspects of the spatial information technology industry and its relationship to society. *eligible for MES.
PLAN 657GIS and Spatial Decision Support for Planning and Resource Management0.50 units
This course introduces students to key theories, concepts and techniques that have been developed recently to improve the design support capabilities of spatial information systems. Topics covered include participatory GIS, group-based spatial decision support systems, and the integration of multi-criteria analysis (MCA) methods with GIS to facilitate decision-making in planning. *eligible for MES
PLAN 661AApplied Studies in Hydrology and the Environment 10.50 units
This applied hydrology course involves defining, designing and conducting research on the hydrology and/or water quality of a specific environmental setting. Drawing on strengths and interests of students, the field and laboratory activities in this course typically involve collection, analysis and reporting of primary data. The Fall-term (661A) focuses on literature review, problem definition, methodological design and data collection; the Winter-term (661B) includes analysis, interpretation and write-up suitable for publication in a refereed journal. Group work is typically involved. *eligible for MES
PLAN 665Environmental Planning Theory and Practice0.50 units
An interdisciplinary approach to environmental planning. Focuses on the socio-economic, planning, environmental science, design, and decision-making theories and methods utilized in environmental planning theory and practice. Regional and local case studies and studio projects will be used to demonstrate professional practice issues and techniques. Recommended: A senior level course in ecology, environmental science, landscape architecture or equivalent. *eligible for MES.
PLAN 666Ecosystem Approach to Park Planning0.50 units
An ecological approach to planning national and provincial parks, focusing on system planning, master planning and park administration. Examination of the theory and practice of parks planning, utilizing ecological concepts. Recommended: a senior undergrad or graduate ecology course. Estimated additional field trip cost to student: $30.00 *eligible for MES
These courses allow for additions to the program on a short-term basis, and for development of future permanent courses. Eligible for MES (subject to approval of the School of Planning Graduate Officer).
PLAN 675Special Readings on Selected Planning Topics0.50 units
Study topic to be defined on an individual basis with a faculty member to cover materials not otherwise available in a graduate course offered in this or near-by universities. A specific outline for the course of study is developed in consultation with the professor in charge and is subject to School approval by the Associate Director (Graduate Studies), within 3 weeks of the beginning of term. *eligible for MES (subject to approval of the School of Planning Graduate Officer)
This course critically explores the evolution of freight planning and policy in the urban and regional realms from the early importance of ports to modern global logistics. Emphasis is placed on understanding 1) the theory, fundamental characteristics, and methods of analyzing freight systems and 2) planning/policy perspectives on freight transportation.
PLAN 678Advances in Public Transportation Planning, Operations & Control0.50 units
The historical evolution of transit in cities; the technological innovations which made transit possible; and transit mode definitions. Models of transit vehicle motion are presented; transit travel times under different travel regimes are derived. Transit scheduling methods are shown. System operational characteristics are defined and quantitative measures of effectiveness are introduced. Transit network planning objectives are identified; actual geometries are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Transit ownership structures and economics are discussed; contemporary ITS applications are presented. Methods for selecting appropriate transit modes are covered.*eligible for MES
PLAN 684Physical Infrastructure and Planning0.50 units
Plan 684 introduces students to the planning of physical infrastructure. The course covers governments' roles in regulating, financing and maintaining public infrastructure such as transportation or water systems. The impacts of infrastructure provision on land use, the environment, economic development and social equity are also addressed. Quantitative methods of predicting infrastructure demand and utilization are presented. The role of private sector in providing and maintaining infrastructure is discussed. *eligible for MES
Historical background and development of planning including cultural, philosophical and disciplinary roots; planning theory and its applications in urban, regional, service and environmental areas.
The fundamentals of municipal land use planning are introduced in this course. Important planning and financial instruments, administrative processes and planning practice issues are reviewed. Participants will learn about relevant legislation (e.g. Planning and Municipal Acts), policy plans (e.g. official plans, secondary plans, subdivision plans) and plan implementation tools (e.g. zoning bylaws, site plans, easements, consents and variances). Municipal budgets and accounting concepts, and financing strategies (e.g. assessments, mill rates, capital works, and debentures) are studied.
PLAN 702Critical Assessment of Theories, Methods and Practices of Planning1.00 units
Through a series of case studies students will engage in critically reflecting upon the theories, methods and procedures applicable in the professional practice of planning.
Professional practice responsibilities and ethics, administration methods, financing, and organization are considered in the context of the nature of organizations, politics and economics.
This course is a graduate level introduction into the analytical methods employed in planning research and practice. The broad spectrum of tools, approaches and techniques drawn from quantitative and qualitative traditions will be reviewed. Commonly employed examples will form the basis for developing applied problem solving skills. Operational considerations, critical assessment, and analytical communication provide the important review context.
The foundation of this course is the intersection of the strong relation between urban design as the shaping of urban space and urban planning as the strategic and regulatory mediation of urban change. Establishing the basis of this relationship, the course critically explores contemporary issues in urban design and their implications for urban futures, planning, the environment, and the public realm. Case studies drawn from around the globe are featured.
PLAN 720Introductory Planning Project Studio1.00 units
This studio course introduces students to the process of collaborative problem solving central in Planning practice. Students work in teams, led by faculty facilitators, in applying theory and knowledge from Planning and related disciplines to problems drawn from the local community planning context. The emphasis is on the development of student skills including design, plan making, teamwork, creativity, negotiation, management, and policy application and creation. Problem based learning, reflection on process and communications are central in this course.
PLAN 721Advanced Planning Project Studio1.00 units
This student centered studio course involves partnering with a local community, providing student led groups on opportunity to emulate professional practice under the guidance of an assigned faculty member. Skills and knowledge developed in the introductory studio course are enhanced and important community engagement skills are emphasized in the chosen project. Reflective learning is central as students are expected to assess the process, the outcome, and the interrelationship between them. Community presentation of the problem solution is required.
Advanced examination of theories, methods and processes of urban, regional and environmental planning through intensive examination of selected planning problems. Restricted to Planning PhD students.