I grew up on a farm (mostly) and attended school in Bonanza, Alberta and Dawson Creek, B.C. after early childhood in Vancouver and Christina Lake B.C. I attended the University of Alberta and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography. Why I became a planner? I was working in the Planning Branch for Alberta Municipal Affairs (mapping section) and one day had to draw up a subdivision sketch. Along with the sketch were pictures of landscapes, animals and people. These planners get to go outside, meet people, see places. I want that! After Municipal Affairs I started as a planner trainee at the South Peace Regional Planning Commission (1990), then continued as a planner at the Mackenzie Regional Planning Commission (1991). In 1996 I started as Director of New Era Municipal Planning Services (formerly Yellowhead Regional Planning Commission. In 2000 I moved to Lac Ste. Anne County and continued in the role as planner till 2008. 2008 was a transition for me as I moved to the private sector as a consultant which is still in operation, though only on a hobby basis. 2018 marked my move to Estevan, Saskatchewan where I serve as the City Planning Manager. I joined the SPPI Council because I have been benefitting from this profession for almost my entire adult life and wanted to give something back. I wanted to gain a better understanding on how the Council operates within the Province and in a national context. In 2022, my goal is to have in-person contacts with other planners and help out in a sponsor and mentoring role. My favourite book is pretty much anything written by Tolkien. It changed my life!
