CANU8 SUMMIT FEATURES

Join us in Edmonton for the 8th CanU summit – “UrbanShift: Implementing People-Centred Design” – from September 22-24 where we will engage in thought provoking and dynamic conversations that explore, celebrate, challenge and advance the state of Canadian urbanism. The summit will be structured to build upon a series of interconnected discussions and presentations that have meaningful impacts both on our individual practices and on our collective urban agendas.  We’ll listen, talk, work and, of course, we’ll make space to play. Don’t miss it!

A detailed summit program will be provided shortly, in the meantime, please check out some of the summit highlights.

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URBANISM STORIES

What better way to meet the city and start a new conversation than through the eyes of the media. Join some of Edmonton’s and Canada’s finest for a candid discussion about the role of media and communications professionals in city making. We’ll create a space to reflect on the stories we are told, the stories we tell ourselves and the interconnected ways in which our collective narratives both shape and are shaped by our communities.

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TALES FROM COAST TO COAST

Join the CanU Board for an honoured tradition where leading Canadian urbanists provide short, pithy, thoughtful and engaging summaries of major initiatives and design experiences from coast to coast to coast. A perennial favourite the coast to coast is sure to spur ongoing learning and dialogue about the state of urbanism in Canada. This year we’ve left more time to discuss what we see Coast-to-Coast, and the challenges and opportunities we face together!

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GIANTS OF DESIGN

In collaboration with the CanU leadership, four design greats will share their thoughts, ideas, practices and approaches to building great places for people. Engaging and interactive discussion opportunities will include special features by:

• Claude Cormier 

• Renee Daoust 

• Gil Penalosa 

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URBAN SHIFT: POLITICS, PROCESS AND PLACE

Building places for people matters. Join Edmonton’s Mayor, Don Iveson, and other political leaders for a thoughtful discussion about the role of physical design, city-building discourse and community development in an era of reconciliation.

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CANU AGM AND POLICY COMMITTEES

Critical conversations structured to advance the advocacy work and strategic perspective of the CanU movement will bring knowledge, ideas and action together. This is the place to talk about state of Canadian city-making, roll up our sleeves, and push our collective work ahead.

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DESIGNING FOR PEOPLE

Join Canadian urbanists and some of Edmonton’s urban designers and planners for an interactive design charette. Participants will learn more about a specific downtown area and undertake design reviews to share ideas. Share your ideas on designing a place for people, and learn from other leading city-makers from around the country.

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WALKING THE TALK

What do places for people look and feel like in Edmonton? What better way to find out than to see some of these places firsthand! Leave the summit room and join us on a number of walking tours to various locations around the city’s core. From exploring urban history to confronting contemporary city building challenges, experience the city up-close and first hand.

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SPECIAL GUESTS AND SOCIAL EVENTS

Stay tuned for updates about more special guests, honoured invited speakers and activities!