If you are an emerging planner or an established professional looking to augment your practical knowledge, this fast paced, high-level introductory webinar is for you! This webinar offers practical information, delivered succinctly and in a way that planners can understand. Hear from an architect and a municipal development planning manager on how to read and interpret:
- Architectural plans;
- Zoning bylaws & subdivision plans (for technical considerations and compliance)
As well, join us for an overview and live demonstration of the B.C. government’s Building Permit Hub, a new free e-permitting tool for local governments and First Nations designed to standardize and streamline the building process.
We hope you can join us for this informative webinar!
(Please note – the segment on “how to read and interpret a geo-hazard report” has been moved to a future webinar in the fall/2026 in order to facilitate a longer demonstration on the Building Permit Hub).
Our Speakers
Brian Palmquist AIBC, MRAIC, BEP, CP, LEED AP
Brian is a Vancouver-based architect, urban designer, building envelope and building code consultant and LEED Accredited Professional (the first green building system), with a career spanning more than four decades. He currently consults on building and planning matters to a BC municipality with 5,000 residents, affording him a relevant perspective on planning, design and development challenges in BC. He was the Managing Architect for the Concord Pacific Place development Official Development Plan (ODP) and the first two phases of the Coal Harbour ODP. He has personally designed more than 1,000 social housing and co-op housing units in several BC communities and consulted on many thousands more, as well as market housing. At a smaller scale, he first proposed the laneway-housing concept in Vancouver in 2008 and currently monitors the evolution of multiplexes/SSMUH. He is the author of the Amazon best seller and AIBC construction administration course text “An Architect’s Guide to Construction.” Five years of Brian’s recent writing can be seen at his blog, City Conversations at https://brianpalmquist.substack.com/
Carla Eaton RPP, MCIP
Development Planning Manager at City of Kelowna
Carla Eaton, RPP, MCIP, serves as the Development Planning Manager for the South Focus Area at the City of Kelowna. With over 25 years of experience in local government across British Columbia, they have developed a deep expertise in managing complex development applications, conducting subdivision reviews, and leading long-range planning initiatives. Their work in policy and bylaw development has been instrumental in fostering vibrant communities and supporting the creation of complete neighborhoods. Beyond their professional pursuits, Carla is passionate about sailboat racing and enjoys skiing in the scenic Okanagan region.
Heike Schmidt RPP, MCIP
Senior Planner,
Construction Standards & Digital Solutions Branch
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Heike Schmidt, RPP, MCIP, Dipl.-Ing. is a subject matter expert in planning, permitting, and regulatory systems with the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, working within the Construction Standards & Digital Solutions Branch. Originally from Germany, she has over 25 years of experience in land use planning across both the private and public sectors in British Columbia, supported by a graduate background in urban planning and urban design. In her current work, Heike supports the ministry's in-house IT team delivering digital transformation initiatives, focused on modernizing and standardizing housing permitting, translating regulatory and policy requirements into technical solutions, and improving end‑to‑end service design for development approvals.
