Working Groups

Working Groups assist the Policy Development Committee on a particular policy issue or field. OPPI has the following Working Groups at present:

Are you interested in volunteering for one of these Working Groups? Please click on the links in the detailed lists below.

Provides input and comments on policies related to agriculture and rural issues that affect communities in Ontario.
Focuses on legislative changes and policy issues that may affect rural or agricultural land uses, such as nutrient management, farm practices, rural economic development, protection of farmland, the agricultural economy, and rural landscapes.
Formulates positions and submissions for the review and approval of the Policy Development Committee or Council.
Monitors the activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and other agencies including: the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Ministry of Natural Resources; the Ministry of the Environment; and conservation authorities.
Serves as a focal point within the Institute for members who deal with agriculture and rural issues in their professional or academic work to network and exchange information and ideas.

Are you interested in volunteering for this Working Group? Please contact Scott Tousaw: stousaw@huroncounty.ca

Provides input and comments on key environmental policies, guidelines, legislation, and regulatory initiatives that affect communities in Ontario.
Focuses on policy issues that may affect the environment, including environmental assessment practices and environmental planning for water and air protection, waste management, and climate change.
Formulates positions for the review and approval of the Policy Development Committee or Council.
Monitors the activities of the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Serves as a focal point within the Institute for members who deal with environmental issues in their professional or academic work to network and exchange information and ideas.

Are you interested in volunteering for this Working Group? Please contact Steven Rowe: steven@srplan.ca

Provides input and comments on general government activities and legislation in Ontario directly or indirectly affect the practice of planning in this province.
Focuses on emerging policy initiatives and legislative changes pertaining to the Planning Act, the Municipal Act, and the Ontario Municipal Board.
Formulates positions and submissions for the review and approval of the Policy Development Committee or Council.
Monitors the activities of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and other government agencies.
Works closely with OPPI's other Working Groups on issues of common interest.
Serves as a focal point within the Institute for members who deal with government and legislation in their professional or academic work to network and exchange information and ideas.

Are you interested in volunteering for this Working Group? Please contact Jason Ferrigan: jason.ferrigan@greatersudbury.ca

Provides comments on sustainable community policies related to governance, social and cultural matters, housing and the built environment, economy, environmental matters and services.
Formulates positions and submissions for the review and approval of the Policy Development Committee or Council.
Monitors the activities of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services; and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care; as well as other public agencies that affect sustainable communities.
Works collaboratively with other working groups that have an interest in sustainability, including Environment, Urban Design, Transportation, and Natural Resources.
Serves as a focal point within the Institute for members interested in sustainability to network and exchange information and ideas.

Are you interested in volunteering for this Working Group? Please contact Lesley Pavan: lesley.pavan@mississauga.ca

Provides input and comments on policies and programs related to natural resources that affect communities in Ontario.
Focuses on legislative changes and policy issues that deal with aggregates and minerals; forestry; fish and wildlife; natural heritage; provincial parks; public lands planning; conservation authorities; watershed planning; and the Niagara Escarpment.
Formulates positions and submissions for the review and approval of the Policy Development Committee or Council.
Monitors the activities of the Ministry of Natural Resources; the Ministry of Agriculture and Food; Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and the Ministry of Environment.
Serves as a focal point within the Institute for members who deal with natural resource issues in their professional or academic work to network and exchange information and ideas.

Are you interested in volunteering for this Working Group? Please contact Melanie Horton: mthorton@vcsmc.com

Provides input and comments on policies related to transportation planning in Ontario and promotes state-of-the-practice.
Focuses on legislative changes and policy initiatives related to transportation uses, promotes sound transportation planning practice; enhances the profile of transportation planning in the province.
Formulates positions and submissions for the review and approval of the Policy Development Committee or Council.
Monitors the activities of the Ministry of Transportation; the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Ministry of Natural Resources; the Ministry of the Environment; local and regional governments; transit operators; and other transportation interests.
Serves as a focal point within the Institute for members who deal with transportation issues in their professional or academic work to network and exchange information and ideas.

Are you interested in volunteering for this Working Group? Please contact Nick Poulos: poulos-chung@rogers.com

Provides input and comments on a broad range of policy and other issues related to urban design.
Advocates for a better integration of urban design within the planning process, an increased use of urban design tools, and an open multi-disciplinary concept of urban design.
Organizes meetings, presentations, seminars, roundtables, workshops, and charrettes, and helps place articles in professional magazines.
Formulates positions and submissions for the review and approval of the Policy Development Committee or Council.
Serves as a focal point within the Institute for members who deal with urban design issues in their professional or academic work to network and exchange information and ideas.

Are you interested in volunteering for this Working Group? Please contact Karen Hammond: khammond@uwaterloo.ca

Ontario Planners: Vision · Leadership · Great Communities

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