PLAN 103Planning Governance and Administration
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Environment
- Subject
- Planning
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 2 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
This course focuses on how planning is carried out, by whom, and with what impacts for communities. Students will gain an appreciation of the orders of Canadian government and how municipalities function as a "creature of the province" with the legal authority to create official plans, by-laws, plan amendments, site plans, and variances, among other planning tools. Students will be introduced to the legal and fiscal opportunities and constraints faced by municipalities, as well as how these governance systems shape and are shaped by concerns for efficiency, equity, and environmental sustainability.
Prerequisites
- Enrolled in H-Planning
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 7266 | 0 / 210 | T 14:30–17:20 |
| LEC 701 | 7999 | 178 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
69% liked it58% easy92% useful
From 113 ratings and 16 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
Many students can find these things boring (and it can definitely put you to sleep) but as a planning nerd, I loved it. Assignments are your standard essay-types. Tests were open book (so not bad at all.) Exam was stupid easy. Readings way too long; don’t waste your time.
If you get Markus Moos, he cool.Dec 2023 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
important fundamentals for governance. in class i found everything went a bit too fast, but in office hours she is very kind and will explain things in more detail. tutorials are good too, and are used to apply the information we learned previously. in the assignments make sure you know how to make a proper appendix!!!! the marking is focused on the appendix and how you found the information almost more than the writing itself
Nov 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
I love this course. If you're into land-use/the legal side, you will like it!
Nov 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
very interesting class but very content-heavy. slides are detailed and tutorials are all scavenger hunts, discussions and games. midterm and exam are open book. jennifer dean is very nice.
Nov 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
The course talks about important fundamentals for municipal finance and planning in Canada. Course content is not too overwhelming, but lectures feel long when covering dry topics. Note Taking is pretty important, and you can probably pass on most of the readings if you study the lecture slides well. Overall an interesting class with some pretty useful planning topics.
Jun 2024 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
3 posts and comments in 3 threads mention PLAN 103, May 2019 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Winter 2023
How is Planning? 4 points, 7 comments
“Hi! I'm thinking about going into the planning program but I'm wondering how math and science extensive the program is generally. …”
u/gingham_cat: “… PLAN 103: A bit more technical info sometimes, but I’ve found it to be some of most applicable content so far. Discusses zoning, the planning hierarchy, financial mechanisms used in public administration,etc. Final paper, final exam, two open book tests, and a group assignment. …”
Winter 2020
Fixated on Marks 3 points, 8 comments
“Hello everyone, I’m in 1B if Planning and I finished my quiz and I got a 76% in it. Not sure why, but I started to cry a bit. …”
u/perkornah: “… I’m assuming you’re talking about PLAN 103? Many of the first years that I’ve spoken with are also struggling with the quizzes. You’re not alone. Maybe you can set up a little study group or do the quizzes together with your friends? …”
Spring 2019
Planning Co-op or Math Reg? 0 points, 8 comments
“I'm having a hard time choosing between these two programs. I find both program equally interesting, it's just the co-op and future prospect that's making me an indecisive lil bitch. …”
u/perkornah: “I’m in planning co-op and am really enjoying it so far. I’ve heard the first co-op is hard to get but it’s doable if you’re passionate and interview well. …”
u/perkornah: “… PLAN 103: This was an introduction to planning administration and finance. I definitely learned the most about planning in this course. The workload was light. We had weekly online quizzes, a group assignment, and an individual report. Participation marks were also given. …”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them