Just growth: Can urban development be fair and sustainable? 

A Douglas College forum hosted in partnership with SFU and the City of New Westminster. The goal of these forum is to provide an occasion for frank discussion on important issues facing urban and suburban communities, to both inform and learn from academics, practitioners, and citizens. Sustainable urban planning is meant to create livable, self-sustaining communities. But as New West's population grows and changes, how do we accommodate everyone's needs? Is the notion of fair and just development realistic? Welcome: John Fleming, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (Douglas College). Moderator: Michael McPhee, Humanities and Social Science (Douglas College). A Geography teacher at Douglas College, he teaches courses related to environmental issues and urban sustainability. He’s a former partner and principal of Quadra Planning Consultants Ltd, a land use and environmental planning consultant firm. He also previously held positions with the Fraser River Estuary Management Program, Environment Canada, and the West Water Research Centre at UBC. Panelists: Dr. Meg Holden, Arts and Social Sciences (SFU). Dr. Holden is a professor of Urban Studies and Geography at SFU and the program director for Urban Studies. She is the 2018-2019 winner of SFU’s President’s Award for Leadership in Sustainability. Her research examines urban policy, planning, and social aspects of sustainable development, intentions, and transitions in cities and communities. Her 2017 book is Pragmatic Suggestions for Sustainable Cities: Acting in the Commonplace. She also works in an advisory capacity with cities. (4:12) Patrick Johnstone, City Councillor (City of New Westminster). Patrick was recently re-elected to his second term on City Council. For many years he has been a volunteer, blogger, and a leader of conversations in New West. As a professional geoscientist, he works in environmental protection and on contaminated sites. As a vocal advocate for more sustainable transportation systems and more sustainable communities, he’s passionate about public engagement. Through his website and social media, he aims to make local government more accessible to the public. (18:14) Q&A with panelists (35:37)