Our dedicated community engagement team works collaboratively with planners, urban designers, clients and communities.
It’s important for people to understand what’s happening in the spaces where they live and work, particularly when change is on the horizon. For many, the planning process can be confusing.
That’s where we come in.
Tailored Strategies Community engagement helps to create a strong foundation for any planning project, with strategies that are tailored to the needs of the client and the community.
Translating Complexity, Building Access In many ways, we are translators who provide access for communities to understand the process and its inner workings.
Opening Channels for Community Voices We find ways to create a fair and transparent platform where people can engage and share their thoughts, and provide a direct channel for communities to interact with the people who are proposing change.
Tools of Engagement Stakeholder and public engagement sessions, workshops, open houses, urban design charrettes, visioning sessions and surveys are just a few of the tools we use.
Project Websites We create dedicated project websites that feature highlights, FAQs and application materials that provide clarity and a view to the big picture.
“We aim to be the go-to firm for communications and messaging when it comes to the planning process. Toronto and other municipalities have a lot of challenges around that. We really try to simplify the process for people.”
– Community Engagement Specialist
Our community engagement specialists operate in a team learning environment.
We share resources and experience, working creatively with architects, designers and planners to develop strategies and materials that bring projects to life.
Our collaborative approach also includes internal capacity building, helping our planners with in-person presentations with community members.
Most of our community engagement specialists have a background in planning with a real understanding of the planning process and how those areas of expertise work together.
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
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!
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!
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!
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’.
🎉🎉🎉
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.
