About Us

We shape growing communities through creative urban thinking.

Bousfields is a client focused business that has followed the evolution of communities in Ontario since 1974. As policy, trends and society have changed, so too has the nature of our work. 

  • We earned our reputation as urban planners. Today, we are a thriving interdisciplinary team of planners, urban designers and community engagement specialists. We have evolved through the diversity and complexity of our projects and the capabilities and experiences of the people who work here. We have grown through our in-depth understanding of policy process and industry best practices.
  • We continue to grow. Big or small, our projects range from residential to institutional and commercial. They span the Province of Ontario. The Toronto and Hamilton offices are home to cosmopolitan teams with varied backgrounds, experiences and strengths. 
  • We celebrate our differences and learn from each other. We collaborate with team members of different disciplines, challenged every day by the diversity and impact of the work we do. This ensures that our clients receive the highest quality of service. Applications are approved. Visions are realized. Communities are informed. Projects move steadily forward with maximum efficiency, creativity, and a success rate that makes us all proud.
A group photo of the Bousfields team.
Staff Looking out the window.


Interested in joining Bousfields?

We would love to hear from you.

Learning, sharing and leading

Our reputation as a company has grown alongside, and because of, our values. 

Integrity

We value honesty, responsibility and humility. Collectively, we have the courage to provide clients and stakeholders with our independent professional opinion and take responsibility for our actions. 

Respect

We recognize and respect the diverse communities, cultures, peoples and land. We treat others the way we would like to be treated, encouraging and respecting all opinions and perspectives. 

Leadership

We mentor and inspire the next generation of professionals, encouraging curiosity, innovation and independent thinking. We are committed to the advancement of our professions, industry and communities.

Shared Knowledge

Our shared knowledge is deep rooted, insightful and continually evolves. We take pride in harnessing our collective knowledge, creativity and expertise to shape our communities.

Excellence

  • We foster and deliver high standards of critical thinking, analysis and design excellence.
  • We engage with the public and stakeholders with professionalism and inclusiveness.
  • We provide exceptional client service.

DEI Statement

Bousfields is on a journey to foster and nurture an authentic culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplace, in the projects we are a part of and the communities in which we work.

Legacy Partners

Connect with us

Aligning Good Planning Principles with Indigenous Teachings/ Philosophies and a Health & Social Equitable Lens
 
Last but not least, join us on July 10th from 1:15-2:30PM in attending a two-part fireside chat with Bousfielder David Huynh and Dr. Jaris Swidrovich as they engage in a frank and honest discussion about the synergies between good planning principles and Indigenous teachings and philosophies. We look forward to learning from Dr. Swidrovich’s insights, research and experiences as a health practitioner, professor and social advocate to broaden our understanding of how to contribute to planning more inclusive and equitable communities. #ACTION2025
Aligning Good Planning Principles with Indigenous Teachings/ Philosophies and a Health & Social Equitable Lens

Last but not least, join us on July 10th from 1:15-2:30PM in attending a two-part fireside chat with Bousfielder David Huynh and Dr. Jaris Swidrovich as they engage in a frank and honest discussion about the synergies between good planning principles and Indigenous teachings and philosophies. We look forward to learning from Dr. Swidrovich’s insights, research and experiences as a health practitioner, professor and social advocate to broaden our understanding of how to contribute to planning more inclusive and equitable communities. #ACTION2025
Planning for Music Venues
 
Don’t miss our very own David Morse and Graham Barrett on July 10th from 1:15-2:30 PM as they take on planning for music venues. In conversation with Jonathan Bruce (Wavelength Music), Kishmita Arora (City of Toronto), Lisa Zbitnew (The Phoenix Concert Theatre), Mike Tanner (City of Toronto) and Phil Brennen (Broccolini), this panel will explore how we, as planners, strike a balance between the preservation of music venues and meeting our housing needs. #ACTION2025
Planning for Music Venues

Don’t miss our very own David Morse and Graham Barrett on July 10th from 1:15-2:30 PM as they take on planning for music venues. In conversation with Jonathan Bruce (Wavelength Music), Kishmita Arora (City of Toronto), Lisa Zbitnew (The Phoenix Concert Theatre), Mike Tanner (City of Toronto) and Phil Brennen (Broccolini), this panel will explore how we, as planners, strike a balance between the preservation of music venues and meeting our housing needs. #ACTION2025
We cannot wait to attend this year’s Fast or Funny session at #ACTION2025 on July 9th from 3:30-4:30PM! Join us in supporting Bousfielders Anna Wynveen, Mike Dror, and Jocelyn Deeks as they host two Fast or Funny sessions:

Following last year’s legendary Zoner Groaners session, Anna and Mike are back with Zoner Groaners 2. And to top it all off, Jocelyn and BA Group’s Margaret Briegmann will be hosting Bingo. Transportation Questions in Community Meetings. Looking forward to seeing you there!
We cannot wait to attend this year’s Fast or Funny session at #ACTION2025 on July 9th from 3:30-4:30PM! Join us in supporting Bousfielders Anna Wynveen, Mike Dror, and Jocelyn Deeks as they host two Fast or Funny sessions:

Following last year’s legendary Zoner Groaners session, Anna and Mike are back with Zoner Groaners 2. And to top it all off, Jocelyn and BA Group’s Margaret Briegmann will be hosting Bingo. Transportation Questions in Community Meetings. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Join our very own Charlie Smith at #ACTION2025 while he discusses the evolving field of urban planning with fellow urbanists Ali Ahmed (TMU), Benito Russo (Bruce County), Christine Chea (TMU), and Nikita Jariwala (J.L. Richards & Associates Ltd.)! Held on July 9th from 1:45-3PM, the session will delve into the unique perspectives and nuances of working for a variety of employers, emphasizing critical lessons learned on the job. Hope to see you there!
Join our very own Charlie Smith at #ACTION2025 while he discusses the evolving field of urban planning with fellow urbanists Ali Ahmed (TMU), Benito Russo (Bruce County), Christine Chea (TMU), and Nikita Jariwala (J.L. Richards & Associates Ltd.)! Held on July 9th from 1:45-3PM, the session will delve into the unique perspectives and nuances of working for a variety of employers, emphasizing critical lessons learned on the job. Hope to see you there!
What’s Ethics Got to do with it?

What’s Ethics Got to do with it? Join Bousfielder Courtney Heron-Monk in conversation with Dana Anderson (MHBC), Mary Lou Tanner (MPG Planning Solutions) and Ryan Des Roches (OPPI) on July 9th from 11am-12pm while they discuss the complaints and discipline process and examine real-work cases highlighting the importance of ethics in upholding the public interest! #ACTION2025
What’s Ethics Got to do with it?

What’s Ethics Got to do with it? Join Bousfielder Courtney Heron-Monk in conversation with Dana Anderson (MHBC), Mary Lou Tanner (MPG Planning Solutions) and Ryan Des Roches (OPPI) on July 9th from 11am-12pm while they discuss the complaints and discipline process and examine real-work cases highlighting the importance of ethics in upholding the public interest! #ACTION2025
Next up for #ACTION2025 is Design in Action: Transforming Community Through the Final Phases of the Redevelopment of Regent Park
 
Bousfielders Anna Wynveen, Caroline Kim, Emma West, Jocelyn Deeks and Simone Hodgson will be participating in a panel discussion and walking tour of Regent Park, to highlight how balancing design objectives can drive innovation, achieve high-quality outcomes and deliver significant public benefits. You can catch our Bousfields team in conversation with Bryan Sherwood (Tridel), Katherine Bailey (City of Toronto) and Peter Zimmerman (Toronto Community Housing) on July 9th from 8:30am – 1:00pm!
Next up for #ACTION2025 is Design in Action: Transforming Community Through the Final Phases of the Redevelopment of Regent Park

Bousfielders Anna Wynveen, Caroline Kim, Emma West, Jocelyn Deeks and Simone Hodgson will be participating in a panel discussion and walking tour of Regent Park, to highlight how balancing design objectives can drive innovation, achieve high-quality outcomes and deliver significant public benefits. You can catch our Bousfields team in conversation with Bryan Sherwood (Tridel), Katherine Bailey (City of Toronto) and Peter Zimmerman (Toronto Community Housing) on July 9th from 8:30am – 1:00pm!
Kicking off all things conference, we’ll be highlighting the Bousfielders presenting at #ACTION2025 National Planning Conference, over the next two weeks.
 
First up: Leading Through Failure.
Let’s talk about leading through failure! Join Bousfielder Mike Dror in conversation with Shadi Adab (MHBC) to delve deeper into celebrating failure and “failing forward”. You can attend this session on July 8th from 3 - 4PM, you won’t want to miss it!
Kicking off all things conference, we’ll be highlighting the Bousfielders presenting at #ACTION2025 National Planning Conference, over the next two weeks.
 
First up: Leading Through Failure.
Let’s talk about leading through failure! Join Bousfielder Mike Dror in conversation with Shadi Adab (MHBC) to delve deeper into celebrating failure and “failing forward”. You can attend this session on July 8th from 3 - 4PM, you won’t want to miss it!
This July 7-10 you can find Bousfielders presenting, attending, and connecting with industry professionals from across Canada at the #ACTION2025 CIP/OPPI National Planning Conference.
 
We are thrilled to be this year’s Title Sponsor for the conference. Come visit us at our exhibitor booth and at the Strings and Skyline Reception on July 9th at Roy Thomson Hall!
 
Looking forward to coming together within our profession to exchange thoughtful ideas, discuss innovative tools and research, and a share our passion and commitment to the well-being of current and future generations.

See you at #ACTION2025!
This July 7-10 you can find Bousfielders presenting, attending, and connecting with industry professionals from across Canada at the #ACTION2025 CIP/OPPI National Planning Conference.

We are thrilled to be this year’s Title Sponsor for the conference. Come visit us at our exhibitor booth and at the Strings and Skyline Reception on July 9th at Roy Thomson Hall!

Looking forward to coming together within our profession to exchange thoughtful ideas, discuss innovative tools and research, and a share our passion and commitment to the well-being of current and future generations.

See you at #ACTION2025!
After many incredible years on our team, we’re wishing Lily Lood the happiest of retirements! Your dedication, positivity, and tireless support have left a lasting mark on all of us.

Now it’s time to trade spreadsheets for bike trails and emails for cat cuddles. You’ve more than earned it!

We’ll miss you around the office, but we’re so excited for all the adventures ahead 🎉
After many incredible years on our team, we’re wishing Lily Lood the happiest of retirements! Your dedication, positivity, and tireless support have left a lasting mark on all of us.

Now it’s time to trade spreadsheets for bike trails and emails for cat cuddles. You’ve more than earned it!

We’ll miss you around the office, but we’re so excited for all the adventures ahead 🎉
Congratulations to Bousfielders Hailey McWilliam, Himanshu Katyal, and Sara Gregory who are part of this year’s graduating class from the ULI Toronto: 2025 Curtner Urban Leadership Program!
 
‘Throughout the year, the program focused on fostering a culture of innovation in real estate and city building — aiming to redefine practices to create better buildings, spaces, and places. Participants explored the leadership necessary to transition from traditional methods to forward-thinking approaches in both policy and practice’.

🎉🎉🎉
Congratulations to Bousfielders Hailey McWilliam, Himanshu Katyal, and Sara Gregory who are part of this year’s graduating class from the ULI Toronto: 2025 Curtner Urban Leadership Program!

‘Throughout the year, the program focused on fostering a culture of innovation in real estate and city building — aiming to redefine practices to create better buildings, spaces, and places. Participants explored the leadership necessary to transition from traditional methods to forward-thinking approaches in both policy and practice’.

🎉🎉🎉
Please join us in welcoming our amazing new interns - Alley, Lianne and Myah! Welcome to the team! 

Looking forward to getting to work together over the next several months.
Please join us in welcoming our amazing new interns - Alley, Lianne and Myah! Welcome to the team!

Looking forward to getting to work together over the next several months.
Big congrats to Rayah Flash, the recipient of the Bousfields Graduate Entrance Award at TMU, honouring future planning leaders. Rayah’s dedication of planning, place-making, and creating vibrant communities inspires us all! Bousfields Senior Associate Alex Savanyu (and TUM alum) was in attendance to present Raya with the award at the TMU ceremony.
Big congrats to Rayah Flash, the recipient of the Bousfields Graduate Entrance Award at TMU, honouring future planning leaders. Rayah’s dedication of planning, place-making, and creating vibrant communities inspires us all! Bousfields Senior Associate Alex Savanyu (and TUM alum) was in attendance to present Raya with the award at the TMU ceremony.

Peter Smith

Partner

Planning
416-947-9744x212
psmith@bousfields.ca

Peter is one of the leading urban planning practitioners in the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, having graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1979 with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Urban and Regional Planning). 

Over the ensuing four decades (and counting), Peter has developed a particular expertise in leading the planning approvals for some of the most complicated and highest profile developments in the Province and, in particular, in the Downtown Toronto area. As well, he has undertaken planning policy studies for the Province and municipalities throughout Ontario and has spoken at numerous conferences and events regarding the need for properly balanced and integrated policy initiatives.

He has been recognized as an experienced professional witness before the Ontario Land Tribunal and the Courts on numerous occasions and has developed a strong reputation for analytical thinking, professionalism and integrity. Peter is a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and is a Registered Professional Planner.

Tony Volpentesta

Partner

Planning
416-947-9744x255
tvolpentesta@bousfields.ca

A partner since 2003, Antonio (Tony) joined Bousfields in 1991 soon after completing a graduate degree in Urban Planning at the University of Toronto. He is full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners. He has provided professional planning services in support of numerous large-scale redevelopment proposals in the Greater Toronto Area. His considerable experience has resulted in his participation as lead consultant and team captain on several high-profile development proposals. His range of experience includes high density residential and commercial proposals for many major clients.