In Development Podcast - In Development Episode 49: Navigating Urban Growth: Insights on Public and Private Sector Collaboration – A Conversation with Clarence Wong, Invistec Consulting

In Development Episode 49: Navigating Urban Growth: Insights on Public and Private Sector Collaboration – A Conversation with Clarence Wong, Invistec Consulting

06/06/24 • 57 min

Join us for an insightful discussion on urban development as we connect with Clarence Wong, Vice President at Investec Consulting. Born and raised in Edmonton, Clarence's background includes a BSc in Civil Engineering and a Master of Engineering Degree in Construction Management from the University of Alberta. His 20-year career spans consulting and public service, with experience in Transportation Planning, City Planning, and leading roles in both Provincial and Municipal levels.

In this episode, Clarence shares his journey from working with the City of Edmonton to his current role at Invistec, outlining the differences between the public and private sectors. Listeners can expect to hear about some of the challenges, but also opportunities, that emerge in balancing municipal needs with private development interests. Clarence provides a deep dive into the decision-making processes, highlighting the distinct motivations and objectives that drive each sector.

Edmonton's City Plan comes to the forefront of the discussion as Clarence touches on some of the collaborative efforts required to meet densification goals, such as removing barriers and creating incentives to catalyze infill development. He shares valuable insights into the infrastructure requirements from an engineering perspective, emphasizing the holistic life cycle approach needed to create vibrant communities.

Tune in to learn more about the dynamics of public and private and the role each sector plays in building inclusive, sustainable communities.

Tune in to learn more about the dynamics of public and private and the role each sector plays in building inclusive, sustainable communities.

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undefined - In Development Episode 48: Beyond Brick and Mortar: Strategies for Sustainable Housing Solutions – A Conversation with Jonathan Lay, HomeEd

In Development Episode 48: Beyond Brick and Mortar: Strategies for Sustainable Housing Solutions – A Conversation with Jonathan Lay, HomeEd

Join us for a candid conversation on affordable housing as we sit down with Jonathan Lay, Vice President in Projects for HomeEd. Jonathan brings a wealth of experience from his background in civil engineering to his current role in property management, where he's passionate about crafting communities that thrive.

In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the complexities of affordable housing, clarifying the distinction between affordable housing and housing affordability. We delve into HomeEd's mission of providing near-market housing, offering a blend of market rent and subsidized units to meet the diverse needs of Edmonton's residents.

Discover the faces behind affordable housing as Jonathan shares insights into the demographics of residents, from seniors to single-parent families and new Canadians. Together, we explore the historical trends and challenges in Edmonton's housing landscape and the innovative strategies employed by HomeEd to address these gaps.

From the Affordable Housing Strategy to zoning bylaws and financial support programs, Jonathan highlights the collaborative efforts needed to increase the availability of affordable housing. As we wrap up, Jonathan encourages listeners to educate themselves on affordable housing and advocate for inclusive community development.

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In Development Episode 50: Revitalizing Downtown Edmonton: Leadership and Vision with Puneeta McBryan, EDBA CEO

Join us for an engaging episode of the In Development podcast as we welcome Puneeta McBryan, CEO of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA). Puneeta stepped into her role in December 2020, navigating the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a leader and connector, she collaborates with government bodies, the private sector, arts and cultural organizations, post-secondary institutions, and social services to foster vibrancy and economic prosperity in Edmonton's downtown. Her efforts have earned her recognition as the Inspired Leader of the Year by IABC Edmonton, one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 by Edify Magazine, and the recipient of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Community Impact Award.

In this episode, Puneeta shares her journey from the field of marketing and communications to leading the EDBA, offering insights into the evolution of downtown Edmonton since her last podcast appearance in April 2022. Listeners can expect to hear about significant changes, including the impact of new projects like Warehouse Park and the High Level Line, and how these developments contribute to downtown’s resilience.

Puneeta delves into the current state of downtown, discussing the flourishing tech industry, the effects of hybrid work models, and the importance of BIAs in enhancing the downtown experience. She also addresses the challenges of residential development, safety concerns, and the ongoing efforts to create a vibrant, inclusive community.

Tune in to learn more about the dynamic landscape of downtown Edmonton, the strategic initiatives of the EDBA, and Puneeta’s vision for the future. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on urban development and community building.