Recognizing Excellence: 2014 OPPI Excellence in Planning Awards

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 7, 2014) - Earlier today, the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) announced the 2014 winners of the Excellence in Planning Awards at a press conference held at Queen's Park, Toronto.

The Excellence in Planning Awards recognize innovation, creativity, professionalism, problem-solving, and communications. These are the best of the best in community planning.

Urban/Community Design

Urban Strategies Inc., First Capital Realty, Tridel

Humbertown Master Plan

Municipal Statutory Planning Studies, Reports and Documents

City of Ottawa

City of Ottawa Transportation Master Plan

Town of Caledon, MMM Group Limited and Region of Peel - Public Health

Caledon East Community Improvement Plan: an Innovative Tool to Promote Healthy Lifestyles

Community Planning & Development Studies/Reports

City of Markham

City of Markham's Bird Friendly Guidelines

Regional Municipality of York

New Communities Guidelines

Research/New Directions

City of Brampton Planning and Infrastructure Services Department; Town of Richmond Hill Planning and Regulatory Services Department; and City of Vaughan Planning Department

Measuring the Sustainability Performance of New Developments in Brampton, Richmond Hill and Vaughan

Brook McIlroy, N. Barry Lyon Consultants, the University of Toronto, and the Huron Sussex Residents Association

The Huron Sussex Neighbourhood Planning Study

Communications/Public Education

School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph

Rural Landowner Stewardship Guide for the Ontario Landscape

In addition, the OPPI and Heart & Stroke Foundation's Healthy Communities Award was given to Step Forward: Hamilton Pedestrian Mobility Plan. This special award recognizes excellence in creating healthy communities.

OPPI and Heart & Stroke Foundation's Healthy Communities Award

Town of Caledon, MMM Group Limited and Region of Peel - Public Health

Caledon East Community Improvement Plan:

An Innovative Tool to Promote Healthy Lifestyles

As we celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the establishment of the Ontario Registered Professional Planner designation - a first for the country's professional planners - the 2014 OPPI Excellence in Planning Awards celebrate the best, most innovative advancements where professional planners have provided leadership province-wide, in all spheres of practice, planning the communities and spaces the next generation needs.

Paul J. Stagl, MCIP, RPP, OPPI, President

OPPI is the recognized voice of the Province's planning profession. Our more than 4,000 members work in government, private practice, universities, and not-for-profit agencies in the fields of urban and rural development, community design, environmental planning, transportation, health, social services, heritage conservation, housing, and economic development. Members meet quality practice requirements and are accountable to OPPI and the public to practice ethically and to abide by a Professional Code of Practice. Only Full Members are authorized by the Ontario Professional Planners Institute Act, 1994, to use the title "Registered Professional Planner" (or "RPP"). www.ontarioplanners.ca

World Town Planning Day occurs every year on November 8^th. On this day, planners around the world engage in activities to raise awareness of the importance of planning in their communities. In more than 30 countries, planners mark this day by talking to community or student groups, announcing awards or sponsoring activities that highlight the importance of planning.