Media Advisory-Recognizing Excellence

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 6, 2013) - The Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) will announce the 2013 winners of the Excellence in Planning Awards at a press conference at 2 pm on Friday, November 8^th 2013 as part of celebrations marking World Town Planning Day.

2013 OPPI Excellence in Planning Awards

The Excellence in Planning Awards recognize innovation, creativity, professionalism, problem-solving, and communications in five categories: Urban/Community Design; Municipal Statutory Planning Studies, Reports and Documents; Community Planning and Development Studies/Reports; Research/New Directions; and Communications/Public Education. In addition, the OPPI and Heart & Stroke Foundation's Healthy Communities Award will be announced to recognize excellence in creating healthy communities.

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.

For further information: www.ontarioplanners.ca.