CONFERENCE PROGRAM
October 5–6, 2026 | Sheraton Cavalier | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Welcome to the 2026 SPPI Annual Conference
Plan Your Conference
Explore two days of professional learning, discussion and connection through keynote presentations, concurrent sessions, panels, forums and mobile tours.
The 2026 program begins with keynote speaker Jay Pitter, an award-winning placemaker and author whose work explores public space, belonging, cultural planning and community.
From Treaty Land Entitlement and urban reserves to Saskatchewan’s Planning and Development Act, housing, municipal growth, public engagement and urban design, this year’s program brings together timely topics from across the planning profession.
2026 Sessions & Speakers
In this keynote, Jay Pitter will present her Public Joy Framework, positioning public joy not simply as a feeling, but as civic, cultural, and spatial infrastructure…. Read More
Urban design projects could be approached from various perspectives. In academia, there are many opportunities to propose design improvements to public spaces while… Read More
This presentation will highlight the Stadium Square Concept Plan (Parcel A) and Parcel F Concept Plan, completed by Catterall & Wright in partnership with USask… Read More
Genevieve and Sarah will provide an overview of the City of Saskatoon’s strategic directions and priorities related to water conservation, natural infrastructure,… Read More
Public engagement is one of the most important — and most challenging — parts of planning work. From contentious public meetings and online backlash, planners are often… Read More
As data centres proliferate throughout North America, and most recently in Canadian communities like the RM of Sherwood, Olds, Alberta, Kamloops, and St. John, local… Read More
Saskatchewan’s Planning and Development Act, 2007 (PDA) governs land use, zoning, and subdivision regulations for over 750 municipalities — from resort villages and… Read More
This presentation will provide an overview of Saskatoon’s historic approach to long range planning and how it has evolved, leading to an introduction to new tools being… Read More
Join your peers and community leaders to explore emerging challenges and opportunities in rural land use. Read More
In 2024, Saskatoon and Regina joined many other Canadian communities to remove minimum parking requirements. In discussion with individuals representing different… Read More
Saskatchewan’s rural and small urban municipalities face a daunting challenge: navigating an increasingly complex legislative landscape governed by a single piece of… Read More
This past spring students from the University of Saskatchewan’s Regional and Urban Planning Program participated in Planning 305: Urban Design and Active Transportation…. Read More
Join us for a walking tour along College Drive to explore the vision, progress, and implementation of Saskatoon’s College Corridor Plan and Link Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)… Read More
In 2015, United Nations Member States adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to guide global action on the urgent economic, social, and environmental… Read More
Street design and public space quality is a core aspect of a city’s functionality. Planners when developing new neighborhoods base the designs on those fundamental rules… Read More
In his talk, Mike will describe the origins and work to date of the Meewasin Valley Authority, covering nearly a half-centure of making the best part of Saskatoon… Read More
Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan are increasingly leading planning initiatives that address growth, governance, infrastructure, housing, and economic… Read More
Student and Candidate Members: Join the Executive Director of the Planning Standards Board of Canada for an in-depth review on your path to designation. Read More
Across Saskatchewan, municipalities are increasingly being asked to respond (quickly and visibly) to intersecting crises of homelessness, addictions, mental health, and… Read More
This guided walking tour will highlight some of the City’s most significant recent investments in public space and placemaking. Beginning at River Landing, participants… Read More
An interactive session featuring Saskatchewan communities (Saskatoon, Regina, and Outlook) will showcase their experiences participating in the Housing Accelerator Fund…. Read More
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
