Urban, regional planners design areas for living

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Take a look at your surroundings: What do you see? Depending on where you are reading this article, you could be in an igloo, in the middle of a forest or in the hustle and bustle of the big city. That is, you could be in either a rural or urban setting.

Ask yourself who has helped create your man-made surroundings? What kind of person is involved in the creation of streets, buildings, airports, dams, communities, hamlets and cities?

The urban or regional planner develops plans and programs to bring about growth and renewal of cities, towns and regions through more efficient use of resources. Urban planners are responsible for city or town planning and also are known as city planners. Regional planners are responsible for larger areas.

The urban or regional planner is responsible for developing plans for controlled and most appropriate use of land. To do this, a planner must study the social economic, and physical aspects of a municipality or region. With the expansion of cities and regions it is very important to plan ahead for how land and facilities will be used.

As with all professions, there are various levels within the field of planning, depending on education or experience. However, there are many things that all planners must do. All of them have to write reports making recommendations on what they consider to be the best use of land and facilities; therefore, they must have keen analytical skills and a good grasp of the English language to express themselves in a clear and concise manner.

Planners must gather and analyze data on the economic, social, legal, cultural, and politcial aspects of the area under consideration. Once their report is written, they must discuss their findings with citizens and local authorities as well as with professionals such as social scientists, lawyers, architects, engineers, and politicians.

After feedback has been received, the planner must amend the report accordingly. Because planners work with so many people, they must be able to co-operate and enjoy meeting others from many diverse backgrounds.

To get into the profession, most planners pursue a bachelor's or master's degree

in urban planning. But this career path can be entered through other professions such as geography, civil engineering, sociology, or land surveying.

Today's planner is also computer literate, using word processing computer aided design and geographical information systems software programs to assist them in their duties. For more information write: Canadian Institute of Planners, 404, 126 Rue York Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 5T5 or Ontario Professional Planning Institute, 3206 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 2L2.