Pat has been a planner for over 46 years. She thought about retiring, but there is too much interesting work to do in planning, so she has remained active. She is a part time consultant, adjunct professor at Vancouver Island University in the Master of Community Planning program, sits on the Professional Standards Board and is a full time grama. 

Pat has lived in both Alberta and British Columbia. Originally from Toronto, Pat lived in England for three years as a teenager when her father was sent there to work with the consulting firm he worked for. This experience broadened Pat’s understanding of cities, housing, density, heritage and culture, that opened doors to entering planning. Pat made her home in Edmonton after graduating from Metropolitan Toronto University (previously Ryerson). She moved to Calgary in the mid-80’s, where her children were born and raised. While in Calgary she was on the Calgary Planning Commission and the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee. She has dedicated years to our professional associations, spending 10 years on APPI with two terms as President, 4 years on PIBC Board and 7 years on the Professional Education and Examination Committee of PSB. In 2015 Pat was honoured with the nomination as Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners. 

Moving full time to BC in 2006, Pat lived on Gabriola Island experiencing Gulf Island and ferry life, and recently moved into the City of Nanaimo to enjoy the more “urban” aspects of living. She has worked in both the public and private sector and has been the trusted advisor to municipalities, First Nations, airport owners and operators and not for profit organizations. Her career has taken her from traditional land use planning to housing needs assessments, health and wellness, airports and indigenous planning. She never stops learning and has mentored dozens of new planners. She also values her mentors. Elder Allan Wolf Leg of the Siksika Nation has mentored Pat for over 30 years, and through her work with the Nation she was unofficially given the name Spitaake (“Tall Sister” in Blackfoot). 

An avid reader, Pats’ idea of a fabulous vacation is to read as many books as possible while enjoying local culture and food. Pat and husband Chris can be found in Bucerias, Mexico in November, spending time with friends, eating great local food and sipping margaritas.

What makes you passionate about planning?

Being brought up in a land which holds a strong affinity towards heritage and richness in architecture, I had a strong inclination towards buildings and cities, and I have always pondered how I could contribute towards developing the same. To me, planning is more than a profession - it is a profound commitment to sculpting the future of our cities and communities. It's about envisioning and creating places that not only meet current needs but are also adaptable and resilient to upcoming challenges. What excites me most is the potential of planning to serve as a pathway for positive change, addressing everything from social equity to environmental sustainability. The opportunity to contribute to such meaningful transformations, where cities are not just built well but feel right for the people living in them, makes me passionate about planning.

Tell us about a project you are working on and why it excites you.

I’m currently working on my thesis, where I am exploring integrating emotional intelligence into urban planning. My enthusiasm for this project stems from my personal journey and observations of the transformative changes in my childhood neighbourhood. I witnessed how the vibrancy of community life diminished as physical changes occurred, leading to a realization of the often-neglected emotional fabric in urban planning. This topic excites me because it aligns with my passion for creating spaces that nurture human connection. It also responds to the urgent need for urban environments that promote emotional well-being amidst the challenges of rapid urbanization and increasing social isolation.

What do you think the most important challenge will be for planners in the future?

In the rapidly changing world of urban development, a primary challenge for future planners will be to ensure that every voice, particularly those from marginalized communities, is not only heard but also integral in shaping our urban narratives. The key to this challenge is participatory planning, an approach increasingly recognized as essential for fostering equitable and inclusive urban spaces. Another significant challenge lies in creating adaptable communities that can dynamically respond to changing demographics, technological advancements, and environmental necessities. 

What are you most excited about at your planning school? 

The aspect that excites me the most about the MCP program is the collaborative learning environment fostered by a diverse mix of students and faculty. This diversity explores a dynamic exchange of ideas, greatly enriching my educational experience. The program's adaptable approach, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications, deepened my understanding of the built environment's intricacies. It illuminated the seamless integration between urban planning principles and my architectural background. Additionally, the program provided an opportunity to collaborate with public and private sectors on live projects, offering firsthand practical experience and insight into the intricacies of urban development and public policy.

Tell us about a place or plan that has been influential to you.

The place that has been most influential to me is my childhood neighbourhood in Chennai, India. Witnessing the city's evolution, especially in balancing heritage conservation with modern urban demands, sparked my initial interest in planning. It was here that I observed the dual impacts of urban development, both its positive and negative transformations, and how these changes profoundly influenced community interaction and emotional well-being. My journey is about transforming the narrative of urban development into one where every decision is a step towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and harmonious urban future.