Planning Canadian Regions

By Gerald Hodge and Ira M. Robinson

UBC Press

Planning Canadian Regions is the first book to consolidate the history, evolution, current practice, and future prospects for regional planning in Canada. As planners grapple with challenges wrought by globalization, the evolution of massive new city-regions, and the pressures for sustainable and community economic development, a deeper understanding of Canada’s approaches is invaluable.

Hodge and Robinson identify the intellectual and conceptual foundations of regional planning and review the history and main modes of regional planning for rural regions, economic development regions, resource development regions, and metropolitan and city-regions. They draw lessons from Canada’s past experience and conclude by proposing a new paradigm addressing the needs of regional planning now and in the future, emphasizing regional governance, greater inclusiveness and integration of physical planning with planning for economic sustainability and natural ecosystems.

Planning Canadian Regions will be a much-needed text for students and teachers of regional planning and an indispensable reference for planning practitioners. It will also find a receptive audience in such disciplines as urban planning, environmental studies, geography, political science, public administration, and economics.

RELATED TOPICS: Canadian Politics, Geography, Political Science, Urban & Regional Politics, Urban Studies & Planning

Two senior scholars and practitioners have written an illuminating work on the origins, concepts, scope, practice, and potential of regional planning in Canada. Its coverage is truly national, and its spirit, appropriately, is universal, critical, and exploratory. Len Gertler, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, School of Planning, University of Waterloo, and Fellow, Canadian Institute of Planners

Hodge and Robinson’s text is a timely and welcome contribution to the body of knowledge on regional planning in Canada. Their discussion of the evolution of regional planning theory and practice, set within the broad context of the Canadian planning experience, is very useful. The book will appeal to students and practitioners alike. Mark Seasons, Assistant Professor, School of Planning, University of Waterloo, and Past President, Canadian Institute of Planners

Gerald Hodge is a professor emeritus at the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Queen’s University. Ira M. Robinson is a professor emeritus of Urban Planning at the University of Calgary.

Preface

Introduction: Regional Planning in Perspective

Part 1: Foundations of Regional Planning

1 Roots of Regional Planning

2 Key Features of Regional Planning

3 The Imperative of Regional Boundaries

4 Formal Bases of Regional Planning

Part 2: Planning Practice in Rural and Non-Metropolitan Regions

5 Planning Rural Regions and Their Communities

6 Regional Economic Development Planning

7 Regional Planning for Resource Conservation and Development and the Environment

Part 3: Planning and Governing Practice in Urban-Based Regions