Eco-Journal, v.17.5 Nov/Dec 2007

Urban planning faces social, political and economic challenges

Planners Network Conference 2008

By Richard Milgrom

In July 2008, Winnipeg will host the annual Planners Network Conference. The title for PN 2008 is Planning in Challenging Climates, and as the subtitle notes, we are not just referring to the weather. Planners Network is an organization interested in social and environmental justice issues, so while issues of winter cities and global warming may be addressed, we are also referring to the challenging social, political and economic climates within which advocates of social and environmental justice currently operate.

The conference organizers are inviting local, grassroots community groups like Bike to the Future, the Manitoba Eco-Network, and Save Our Seine to participate. We have also approached neighbourhood organizations like the West Broadway Development Corporation and the Spence Neighbourhood Association.

PN 2008 will draw about 300 participants from across the continent, as well as a few from Europe and South America.

PN 2008 is being organized by Planners Network Manitoba (http://www.pnmb.org), one of the fastest growing local chapters of PN. If you are interested in participating, organizing a session, or helping design the mobile workshops, please visit the website, or contact the organizers at info@PNmb.org.