Recognizing Excellence

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 8, 2013) - Earlier today, the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) announced the 2013 winners of the Excellence in Planning Awards at a press conference held at Queen's Park, Toronto as part of celebrations marking World Town Planning Day.

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. These are the best of the best in community planning.

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.

"Planning our communities is not - and has never been - a static profession. Growth and community development is dynamic - and requires innovative, strategic and creative problem-solving. The OPPI Awards afford us an opportunity to recognize advancements achieved in both planning and strategic thinking - and to build on them for the challenges of the next generation. What better occasion than on World Town Planning Day to celebrate those advancements."

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.